Resources · Quick references
Public Speaking Glossary
The words a speaking coach uses, in plain English. Skim it before your first class so nothing sounds like jargon, or use it to look up a term when it comes up.
- Anecdote
- A short, true story used to make a point real. One good anecdote often persuades more than a page of facts.
- Articulation
- How clearly you form your words. Good articulation means the ends of words are not swallowed and the room can follow you.
- Cadence
- The rhythm and flow of your speaking: where you speed up, slow down, and pause. Varied cadence keeps a speech alive.
- Call to action
- The specific thing you ask the audience to think or do at the end of a persuasive speech.
- Evidence
- The facts, examples, or data that back up a claim. A reason without evidence is just an opinion said louder.
- Extemporaneous
- Speaking from a plan and a few notes rather than a written-out script or full memorization. It sounds natural but is still prepared.
- Eye contact
- Looking at people in the audience as you speak. It builds trust and keeps a room with you. Spread it across the room, not one spot.
- Filler word
- A sound or word that fills a gap: um, uh, like, you know. Pausing in silence instead makes you sound far more composed.
- Hook
- The opening line or moment that grabs attention, often a question, a story, or a surprising fact.
- Impromptu
- Speaking on a topic with little or no preparation, usually a minute or two after hearing it. It follows a method you can practice.
- Monotone
- Speaking on one flat note, without variety in pitch or pace. It is the fastest way to lose a room.
- Pace
- How fast you speak. Nerves speed you up, so most students need to slow down, especially at the start.
- Pause
- A deliberate short silence. It lets a point land, replaces filler words, and reads as confidence.
- Projection
- Speaking loud enough to reach the back of the room without shouting. It comes from the breath, not the throat.
- Rebuttal
- Answering the other side of an argument. Naming and answering the strongest objection makes you more convincing.
- Signpost
- A short line that tells the audience where you are going, such as "there are three reasons for this". It keeps listeners oriented.
- Stage presence
- The overall sense of command a speaker has: posture, eye contact, voice, and calm. It is built from many small habits.
- Thesis (message)
- The one thing you want the audience to remember. Every part of the speech should support it. Decide it before you write.
Learn the words by using them.
These terms make sense fast once you are speaking every week and a coach is pointing them out in your own delivery.