Okay, so here’s an alphabetized laundry list of terms and techniques that you should be familiar with as you go from boring to BRAVO!
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W
Accountability. A structure that allows participants to hold each other answerable to their commitments.
Acronym. A word formed from the initial letters of a group of words; NSA, for example, is an acronym for the National Speakers Association.
Acrostic. A word formed from the first letter in each line, or series of lines, that spells a word or phrase when taken in order; for example, NEWS, from North, East, West, and South.
Active voice. A verb form in which the subject of the sentence acts or does something.
Adapt. To adjust or modify the technique in order to make it suitable to the audience and your presentation style.
Adopt. To choose or take a technique as one’s own.
Alliteration. The repetition of the same sound (usually consonants) at the beginning of words or in accented syllables.
Allusion. A brief, indirect reference to a person, place, or event that all can identify.
Analogy. A comparison of two things that are alike in some ways and different in others.
Anchor. A word, a phrase, a sound bite, or a statement that captures the essence of your speech or reinforces your call to action.
Anecdote. A short interesting or amusing incident or event that is often biographical.
Aphorism. A short saying that embodies a general truth or astute observation.
Aside. A digression from the main flow of the speech.
Attribution. To credit the original source of material used in a presentation.
Audience response system (ARS). A methodology that allows participants to select or dial in a response that is then tabulated and displayed for the presenter and/or audience to view.
Autoresponder. A word, phrase, sentence, or gesture that the audience is prompted to respond with as a specific answer.
Back channel. The digital communications that occur during and after a live presentation.
Bar chart. A visual diagram with parallel bars of varying lengths used to illustrate comparative data.
Bits. A short section of material that is easy to memorize. Also called a “chunk.”
Blog. Short for “Weblog.” A website that displays in chronological order the postings by one or more individuals and usually has links to comments on specific postings.
Borrowed story. An anecdote or narrative taken from another source.
Brainstorming. A creative technique used to generate a list of items.
Cadence. The rhythmic flow and sequence of sounds or words in a sentence.
Callback. A reference to a word or phrase mentioned earlier in your presentation or earlier in the sequence of events leading to your presentation.
Cartoon. An illustrated sketch or drawing that is usually humorous.
Case study. A report of an individual unit or group, usually emphasizing developmental issues and relationships with the environment.
Cliffhanger. A technique in which a bit of a story ends in suspense in order to interest the reader or viewer in the next bit to be told later in the presentation.
Climax. The arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in a sequence of increasing impact, with the strongest element (the climax) at the end.
Clip art. Predrawn pictures and symbols that computer users can add to a document.
Closed question. A question that requires a one word answer, typically yes or no.
Competition. A contest for a prize or recognition.
Content. The substantive information or creative material in a presentation in contrast to its actual manner or style of presentation.
Costume. A style of dress, including accessories and hairdos, characteristic of another period, place, person, etc.
Countdown timer. A device that indicates the backward counting in fixed time units from the initiation to completion.
Courier. A messenger, usually traveling in haste, to deliver or receive information, packages etc., to or from the presenter and the audience.
CPAE. Council of Peers Award for Excellence, Speakers Hall of Fame, is a lifetime award conferred by the US National Speakers Association for excellence and professionalism in speaking; given to speakers who have been evaluated by their peers and judged to have mastered seven categories: material, style, experience, delivery, image, professionalism, and communication.
Critique. A detailed evaluation or review.
CSP. Certified Speaking Professional designation conferred by the National Speakers Association and the Global Speakers Federation; it is earned by demonstrating competence in a combination of professional standards: platform skills, business management, education, and association.
Debate. A discussion in which the affirmative and negative sides of a question are advocated by opposing speakers.
Definition. A statement of the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, or idea.
Demonstration. An exhibition of the operation or use of a device, machine, process, product, or the like to or with the audience.
Door prize. A prize awarded at an event either by chance through a drawing or as a reward.
Downstage. The front half of the stage closest to the audience.
Dyad. A group of two; also known as a pair or couple.
Easel. A tripod or frame used to support chart pads or other visuals at an angle.
Easel chart. A set of large sheets of paper, hinged at the top so they can be flipped over, upon which information is captured in sequence.
Engage. When you attract an audience member’s interest and attention.
Exaggeration. To grossly magnify features or information to expanding or diminishing proportions.
Example. A bit used to clarify or elaborate on your point.
Expert. A person who has special skill or knowledge in some particular field.
Facilitator. A person responsible for guiding the work of a group to achieve a desired outcome.
Fact. A statement that can be verified, either by referring to a third source or by direct observation.
Fact-checking. To check the accuracy and source of an anecdote, definition, quotation, or statistic.
Fill in the blank. A technique where the speaker allows the audience to complete the empty space or pause in the sentence.
Fishbowl. A technique where the activities of a few participants are open to the view or scrutiny of the rest of the audience.
Fluffy word. A word that has little or no intellectual weight, such as “very” or “really.”
Follow-up. An action that serves to increase the effectiveness of your previous presentation.
Freewheel. A brainstorming term used to signify that the participants are free to call out their ideas spontaneously.
Game. A competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules.
Gestures. A movement or position of the head, hand, arm, or face that is expressive of an idea, opinion, or emotion.
Gift. Something given voluntarily without payment expected in return.
Global Speakers Federation. An international association of independent professional speaker organizations from around the world.
Google. A trademark used for an Internet search engine.
Guidebook. An extended handout designed to guide the work of the participant, typically used in training sessions; also known as a workbook.
Handout. Any promotional or educational material given to each audience member.
Headline. A heading used to encapsulate more detailed subject matter containing one or more words and lines.
Heavy hitter. Those people in your audience who are very visible, well-known, and respected.
Helper. A member of the audience whom you have asked to do something very specific for you.
Highlight. To emphasize or call attention to an important point.
HoF. Speakers Hall of Fame is a lifetime award conferred by the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers for outstanding performance as a professional speaker and dedication to the professional speaking industry by educating others to excel. Members are selected by their peers in recognition of their contributions.
Homework. Assigned work to be done prior to the presentation; also known as prework.
Hot seat. A position in which one person is subjected to extreme stress or discomfort, usually with on-the-spot coaching by the presenter.
House lights. Overhead lights that illuminate the meeting room.
Humor. A comic, absurd, or incongruous quality causing amusement.
Hyperlink. To make a hypertext link in an electronic document.
Icebreaker. An activity, usually conducted at the beginning of a presentation to warm up the audience.
Icon. A sign representing its subject by virtue of a resemblance or analogy to it.
Illustration. An example that extends explanation or corroboration.
IMAG. An acronym for image magnification whereby the material the presenter has chosen is projected onto a large screen so the entire audience can see it.
Inducement. Something given that helps bring about an action or a desired result; also known as an incentive.
Influencer. A member of the audience who may not be a formal leader but nonetheless influences others within the audience.
In medias res. “In the midst of things”; without preamble; the narrative starts literally in the middle.
Interaction. A reciprocal action between the speaker and the audience.
Interview. A meeting or conversation in which a writer or reporter asks questions of one or more persons from whom material is sought for a newspaper story, television broadcast, etc.
Intonation. The rise and fall of the voice when speaking.
Introducer. A person who presents the speaker to the audience.
Introduction. A short, personal presentation to introduce the speaker to the audience.
Irony. The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning, such as “how nice!” when it really wasn’t nice at all.
Jargon. Language peculiar to a particular trade, profession, or group.
Joke. Something said or done to create laughter or cause amusement.
Keynote. A speech, typically an hour or less in duration, that conveys one central theme. Also a software application by Apple for creating presentation slide shows.
KISS. Keep it Simple, Silly!
Lectern. A stand with a slanted top used to hold a book, speech, or notes at the proper height for a speaker to deliver his or her program. Sometimes incorrectly called a podium.
List. A series of names or other items in a meaningful grouping or sequence.
Magic. The art of producing illusions as entertainment.
Meeting planner. The person in charge of planning the logistical arrangements of a meeting, such as room setup, hotel arrangements, meals, travel, and other program details; also known as the coordinator or organizer.
Mental imagery. A choice of descriptive words that brings a visual scene to mind.
Metaphor. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to something it is not ordinarily associated with, suggesting a resemblance to each other.
Mingle. To mix with or join in with others.
Model. A representation, generally in miniature, to show the construction or appearance of an object or concept.
Movie clip. An excerpt from a telecast or full-length motion picture; also known as a video snippet.
National Speakers Association. The premier professional society in the United States dedicated to advancing the art and value of those who speak professionally.
Objective. The end result that one’s efforts or actions are intended to attain or accomplish.
One-liner. A short piece of humor easily inserted into a presentation.
Open-ended questions. A question that requires more than one word to answer.
Organization charts. A diagram representing how departments or divisions in an organization are related to one another along lines of authority.
Parallel construction. Consistent, identical structural patterns that create balance within a phrase or sentence or among several sentences.
Paraphrase. A restatement or rewording of a comment, giving the meaning in a clearer form.
Parody. A humorous or satirical imitation of a person, event, song, or piece of literature.
Participant. One who participates, shares, or takes part in a presentation.
Participation. The act of taking part, sharing, or being involved in a presentation.
Passive voice. A verb form in which the subject of the sentence is acted upon (i.e., receives the action).
Pause. A temporary stop or rest by a speaker.
Personal story. An anecdote or narrative based on your personal experience.
Pie chart. A graphic representation of quantitative information by means of a circle divided into sectors, in which the relative sizes of the areas (or central angles) of the sectors correspond to the relative sizes or proportions of the quantities.
Platform. A raised flooring or other horizontal surface upon which a presenter customarily stands; also known as a riser, stage, podium, or dais.
Poll. A collection of opinions on a subject for the purpose of analysis.
PowerPoint. A Microsoft application for creating presentations, speeches, slides, and handouts.
Prework. Assigned work to be done prior to the presentation; also known as homework.
Prize. A reward for winning or accomplishing a specific result.
Process. A systematic series of actions.
Prop. An object used or handled by a speaker in a presentation; also known as property.
Proverb. A short, popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses some commonplace truth or useful thought.
Provocative question. A question that provokes, incites, stimulates, irritates, or otherwise evokes feelings in the audience.
Public proclamation. To make one’s intentions known publicly or openly.
Puzzle. A toy or problem to be solved by ingenuity or patient effort.
Quad. Short for the term “quadruplet,” a group of four.
Question and Answer (Q&A). An exchange of questions and answers between the speaker and the audience.
Queue. A literal or figurative line of people waiting their turn to speak.
Quiz. An informal test or examination.
Quotation. A statement by someone who is usually an authority or expert in the subject.
Rapport. A harmonious or sympathetic relationship with the audience.
Recap. Short for recapitulation, a brief review or summary.
Recorder. A person whose official duty is to record in writing what has been said.
Reflection. The ability to give careful, quiet, thoughtful consideration to something.
Reframe. To restate an idea in another way in the attempt to help the audience understand and connect better with the idea.
Rehearse. To practice for a presentation in private prior to a public presentation.
Repetition. To repeat verbatim something that has already been said.
Response cards. Color-coded index cards that create a visual response to a question.
Restatement. To say again in a slightly different way something that has already been said.
Review. To go over the main points again in order to summarize or to enable higher retention of the information.
Revisit. To allow the audience to review the information in order to summarize or enable higher retention of the information.
Reward. Something given or received in return for something of merit.
Rhetorical question. A question asked solely to produce an effect or to make an assertion and not to elicit a reply.
Rhythm. The arrangement of words, vocalization, and silence to create an emotional balance.
Role. A function, position, or task given to a person.
Role-play. An audience involvement exercise in which the audience members and/or the presenter interact while assuming the attitudes, actions, and/or discourse of others.
Round-robin. A brainstorming technique in which the presenter calls upon participants around the room and then collects their comments.
Rule of Three. A rhythmic structure that involves grouping three items together. When using humor, the first two items are serious and the third unexpectedly switches the pattern.
Run chart. A graphical representation of data in sequence over time, showing the trend line that reveals a general pattern of change; also known as a trend chart.
Runner. A courier who is assigned the responsibility of carrying the microphone to wherever the participants are seated/standing.
Sarcasm. The use of words or statements that convey the opposite of their literal or intended meaning.
Satire. The use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like in order to expose, denounce, or deride vice, folly, etc.
Show-and-tell. An activity in which each participant produces an object of unusual interest and tells something about it.
Sidebar. A specific type of aside during which the presenter steps out of role to make a parenthetical comment or remark.
Signature story or prop. A story or prop that is credited to a particular person. This type of story should never be used without permission of the owner.
Silence. The absence of any sound or noise.
Simile. A figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared.
Sing-along. An informal or unrehearsed singing of a song by a group of people, usually under the direction of the speaker.
Site. The location of the presentation; also known as venue.
Situational question. A question that elicits the participants’ experiences in a similar situation.
Slide show. The file or the display of a series of slides through a projector.
Slip. A brainstorming technique in which each item is written on a separate slip of paper, a sticky note, or an index card.
Stage. A raised platform or floor upon which the presenter stands and delivers a speech from.
Stage left. The part of the stage that is left of center as the presenter faces the audience.
Stage right. The part of the stage that is right of center as the presenter faces the audience.
Staging. To use different parts of the stage for different purposes within your presentation.
Statistics. A numerical fact or figure that typically shows the relationship between the part and the whole.
Stock photos. Digital photographs that are typically purchased for use in slide shows or promotional materials.
Story. A narrative, either true or fictitious, designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the listener.
Survey. A collection of facts, figures, or opinions taken and used in the preparation of a presentation.
Symbols. A word, phrase, or image that represents or stands for something else.
Takeaway. Printed material or other gift that is handed out after the presentation.
Teaser. An advertisement that lures people to your presentation.
Testimonial. A declaration made by a respected expert or authority in support of a person’s character, conduct, qualifications, or that speaks to the value or excellence of a thing.
Theme. A unifying or dominant idea within the presentation.
Timekeeper. A person who keeps time either to ensure that the presentation ends exactly on time or to announce the amount of time left.
Toastmasters. A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people become more competent and comfortable speaking in front of an audience.
Transcribe. To make a written copy of a presentation.
Triad. A group of three.
Tweet. Text-based posts of up to 140 characters that are circulated through Twitter.
Twitter. A free social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as “tweets.”
Upstage. The rear half of the stage farthest from the audience.
Usher. A person who escorts people to seats.
Vanna. An allusion to Vanna White, the hostess on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune.
Venn diagram. A diagram that uses circles to represent groups of things and their relationships.
Venue. The location of the presentation; also known as site.
Video snippet. A small excerpt from a video; also known as a movie clip.
Visualization. A technique used to have the audience recall or create a mental image or to picture a specific situation.
Visuals. Any item or element that depends on the viewer’s sense of sight.
Vivid words. Descriptive words that paint a mental picture in the listener’s mind.
Vocalized hiccup. A filler word that has no meaning, such as “well,” “ah,” “umm,” or “you know.”
Volunteer. A person who volunteers for a service or an undertaking.
Whisper. Attention-gaining technique in which the presenter speaks with soft, hushed sounds to one audience member.
Wimpy word. A timid word or phrase that conveys that the speaker is uncertain, such as “perhaps,” “sort of,” or “it seems like.”
Workbook. An extended handout designed to guide the work of the participant, typically used in training sessions; also known as a guidebook.
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