Grammar fix
public speaking
speaking to a group
the act of talking to a group of people, usually in front of an audience, for example to give a speech, presentation, or lecture.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Public speaking can be challenging, but it gets easier with practice.communication
- In my opinion, public speaking is an important skill because it helps people express their ideas clearly in front of others.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: public speaking (noun, uncountable)
WrongI'm afraid of speak in public.
RightI'm afraid of public speaking.
After 'of', use the -ing form or the noun 'public speaking'.
Patternpublic speaking (noun, uncountable)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Addressing an audience' is formal; 'public speaking' is the everyday term for the skill.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
public speakingpublic speakingafraid of public speakinggood at public speakingpublic speaking skills
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'conversation' (which is usually between two or a few people) or 'debate' (which is more formal and often competitive).