Anxiety So often public speakers are full of anxiety when they anticipate getting up in front of an audience. It’s the same feeling as excitement – but we give it that negative label. You can learn to change how you think, feel and speak about it.

Audience The people you’re speaking to – from 1-1 to a crowd – who all want and need to hear and understand what you say. It’s up to you to make that happen, because they’re the most important element of any presentation.

Australian question intonation Where your voice goes up at the end of the sentence? Even if you’re not asking a question? It can make you sound uncertain, as if you don’t quite believe what you’re saying. And if you don’t – why should they?

Body language What you do as you speak (posture, gesture, expression, movement etc) that can illustrate and support – or undermine and distract from – your speaking. Use mindfully, with meaning.

Call to action Usually the last words where a speaker calls on the audience to DO something, having heard you. It gives meaning and purpose to your presentation, and puts heart into your audience.

Conclusion A speaker’s final statements summarising what they’ve covered, offering contact details, further information, Q&A and that call to action.

Facilitation Hosting, leading and guiding an audience to reach conclusions themselves, without you feeding them the amswers. They’re more likely then to accept their own answers and findings.

Fillers Meaningless and potentially distracting words and sounds an unconfident speaker may use to fill a thinking silence. Um, er, you know, like … A moment’s pause instead offers … gravitas.

Flip chart A long established way of illustrating a presentation or capturing information by hand on a large paper pad.

Gabble Talking so fast the audience can’t understand what you’re saying (usually caused by nerves or excitement – which are often the same thing). It can broadcast nervousness – or suggest you don’t care if they understand or not. Mastering your breathing will slow your thoughts and your speaking and increase their engagement and understanding.

Glossophobia The Ancient Greek term for public speaking nerves – ‘tongue terror’. Stage fright has been known for a very long time and the best cure is preparation and practice.

Introduction A speaker’s first few words create the crucial first impression as the audience gets used to them and what they’re going to be talking about. It’s up to the speaker whether it’s a good or a bad impression – and it will be very difficult to shift.

Nerves The public speaker’s enemy – the fear of speaking to an audience. The physical effects of nerves are very well known and it’s up to the speaker to tackle them before they derail a presentation.

Oratory The art and skill of speaking well in public.

PowerPoint A Microsoft product – a projected slideshow the speaker can click through as they talk. While it can add a whole new dimension, beware too much text, not enough images and too many slides – Death by PowerPoint is avoidable.

Presentation A (usually but not necessarily) business-related talk to an audience, often using PowerPoint.

Projection Using vocal volume, resonance and power to ensure everyone can hear and understand what you’re saying. Actors train for years to develop these skills and public speakers are wise to learn good techniques.

Public speaker A person who needs to speak in front of an audience of any size, in person or online, on TV or radio.

Public speaking The art of speaking to an audience, to inspire, inform or entertain, in person, online or in a broadcast.

Q&A The part of a presentation where the audience may ask questions and the speaker gives their answers.

Vocal Fry A fashionably creaky tone of voice that’s difficult to project – and hard to listen to.