speak in public

Meaning

This phrase refers to the act of delivering a speech, presentation, or talk to an audience of people. It is a common topic of discussion regarding personal development, career skills, or social anxiety. The tone is neutral, often used when discussing fears or professional growth.

Examples

• Many people are more afraid to speak in public than they are of heights.

  Many people are more afraid to speak in public than they are of heights.

• She took a course to learn how to speak in public with more confidence.

  She took a course to learn how to speak in public with more confidence.

• As a manager, you will need to speak in public on a regular basis.

  As a manager, you will need to speak in public on a regular basis.

• I get extremely nervous whenever I have to speak in public.

  I get extremely nervous whenever I have to speak in public.

• He practiced his presentation in front of a mirror to prepare to speak in public.

  He practiced his presentation in front of a mirror to prepare to speak in public.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I hate to speak on public.

  ✓ I hate to speak in public.

  The correct preposition is 'in', forming the set phrase 'in public'.

• ✗ She needs to speak in public audience.

  ✓ She needs to speak in public.

  'In public' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'in front of people'; adding 'audience' directly after it is redundant and incorrect.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Joining Toastmasters is a great way to practice how to ___.

  💡 Deliver a talk to an audience.

  Show answer

  speak in public

• She doesn't mind writing essays, but she hates to ___.

  💡 Give a presentation to a crowd.

  Show answer

  speak in public