Oratory
What it means
Skillful, persuasive, and expressive public speaking.
Reach for it when naming the art or performance of persuasive public speaking
Her clear oratory held the audience without needless drama.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
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everyday
public speaking
Fits when the broad practical activity is meant
Careful Public speaking can be plain and nonpersuasive.
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warm
Fits when graceful expressive command deserves praise
Careful Eloquence is a quality, not the whole practice.
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professional
rhetoric
Fits when techniques of persuasive language are under study
Careful Rhetoric also covers writing and can imply empty flourish.
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professional
speechcraft
Fits when learned construction and delivery skills lead
Careful The compound is less established.
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formal
address
Fits when a particular formal speech is meant
Careful An address is one product of oratory.
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literary
declamation
Fits when formal forceful delivery is intended
Careful Declamation can sound theatrical.
Opposites 3
- inarticulacy
- silence
- verbal confusion
Common phrases 3
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gift for oratory
Her gift for oratory never displaced careful preparation.
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political oratory
Political oratory filled the square before the vote.
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power of oratory
The exhibit examines both the power of oratory and its risks.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Oratory describes skill and style; persuasive force should not be mistaken for factual soundness.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Commander Keane, Australian accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated