rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryoratoryPublic speaking
noun

oratory

OR-uh-tor-ee/ˈɔːrətɔːri/

The art or skill of formal public speaking.

Her skill in oratory keeps the audience attentive throughout the speech.

A formal speaker addresses a seated audience from a lectern with practiced gestures while listeners follow the speech attentively.
Etymology
oraLatinto speak, plead, pray
+toryLatinpertaining to

The speaking and pleading of Latin orare underlie ars oratoria, the “art of speaking.” The phrase identifies public address as a practiced skill, rather than speech in general.

In context

Alain de Botton8:25
The other thing that religions are really aware of is: speak well … but oratory, oratory is absolutely key to religions.
Atheism 2.0 | Alain de Botton
Janux speaker5:12
the force of his oratory was so powerful that Cicero was able to convince Catiline that he is known that he's exposed…
Law and Justice - Constitutional Crisis at Rome - 13.2 Cicero and Catiline

More examples

  • The course teaches oratory through practice speeches and feedback.
  • He studies great speeches to improve his oratory.
  • Effective oratory combines clear arguments with a confident delivery.

Forms

orator noun — A person skilled in formal public speaking.

oratorical adjective — Relating to formal public speaking.

Similar words

rhetoric
Emphasizes persuasive language techniques in both speaking and writing.
eloquence
Emphasizes expressive fluency, not necessarily in formal public speaking.