Public speaking glossary
Short, practical explanations of the words people use about speaking: what each one means, what it sounds like in a real meeting or presentation, and drills you can do aloud today.
Terms from A to Z
Each entry opens with the definition, then moves straight to examples and exercises.
Elocution
The skill of speaking clearly and expressively: how you form sounds, pronounce words and use pitch, pace and pauses.
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Executive presence
The impression that you can be trusted with responsibility, formed from how you speak, listen and behave under pressure.
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Extemporaneous speaking
Giving a prepared, rehearsed talk from a short outline instead of reading a script or reciting it from memory.
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Filler words
Sounds and words such as “um”, “like” and “you know” that fill a gap while you think and add no meaning.
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Monotone voice
A way of speaking in which pitch, volume and pace barely change, so every sentence sounds the same.
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Stage fright (glossophobia)
The nervousness people feel before or while speaking in front of others; glossophobia is the name for a strong fear of public speaking.
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Reading about speaking only gets you so far
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