speeches

Podium verbal deliveries

Speeches is the plural of speech, referring to formal addresses delivered to an audience.

A politician gives speeches on the campaign trail; a best man delivers a speech at a wedding.

The word covers everything from brief remarks to lengthy orations.

Her speeches always drew large crowds.

The term can also refer to the collected addresses of a notable figure: the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr.

delivery

podium

Raised platform for speakers

lecternTilted stand for texts
microphoneAudio input device
projectionSomething that extends outward

articulation · enunciation · gesticulation · pauses · intonation · inflection · elocution · cadence · timing · pacing

forms

address

Speak to formally

lectureEducational spoken presentation
sermonClergy's worship address
homilyReligious discourse on scripture

monologue · presentation · keynote · recitation · proclamation · pronouncement · soliloquy · harangue · tirade · diatribe

political

campaign

Organized effort toward goal

debateFormal argument on issues
stumpTrunk base after felling
filibusterDelaying tactic through speech

platform · caucus · rally · convention · parliament · senate · address · manifesto · referendum · rhetoric

ceremonial

inauguration

Formal beginning ceremony

commencementAct of starting
eulogyTribute for the dead
toastHeated bread; glass-raising honor

dedication · tribute · benediction · valedictory · salutatorian · wedding · graduation · memorial · retirement · acceptance

motivational

inspiration

Source of creative impulse

empowermentGaining authority or confidence
encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
upliftRaise emotionally or physically

rallying · pep · aspiration · resilience · perseverance · determination · rousing · galvanizing · stirring · transformational

persuasion

rhetoric

Art of persuasive language

argumentationSystematic reasoning process
influencePower to affect others
propagandaBiased information for influence

ethos · logos · pathos · compelling · credibility · syllogism · appeal · conviction · exhortation · polemic

Categories

nonfictionbiography, autobiography, biographies, history, memoir
literary formsnovel, novels, novella, poetry, poetry collections
politicsdemocracy, campaigning, campaigns, democrats, bill
writingsessay, essays, article, articles, stories
commissioned worksportraits, murals, sculptures, jingles, logos
library materialsbooks, magazines, newspapers, journals, periodicals

Opposites

vocalization vs. silence

speechessilences

Stops from speaking

muteness · wordlessness · speechlessness · taciturnity · quietude

formal vs. informal communication

speechescasual conversation

Informal spoken exchange

chit-chat · small talk · chitchat · chats · banter

monologue vs. dialogue

speechesdialogues

Exchanges between speakers

conversations · discussions · debates · exchanges · colloquies

Phrases

free speechProtected verbal liberty
speech bubblesEnclosed comic dialogue areas
freedom of speechProtected right to speak
casual speechUnstudied everyday language
figure of speechNonliteral expressive phrase
impassioned speechIntense verbal delivery

Family

speech, speechless, free speech, speechlessness, speechify, speechwriter, speechwriting, speechmaking, speechifying

Familiarity: Top 10,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G