Speaking and interview glossary

By the Speaking Coach team at Sodhera Intelligence

Short, plain definitions of the terms you meet when preparing to speak, each with an example.

What are ethos, pathos and logos? Definitions and examplesEthos, pathos and logos defined: the three rhetorical appeals, each with an example line from one made-up talk, and how speakers balance them.
What are filler words? Definition and list of examplesFiller words defined, with a list of common ones (um, uh, like, you know, so, basically), why speakers use them, and how to count your own.
What are speaker notes? Definition and example for presentationsSpeaker notes are the private notes under each slide that only you see while presenting. See what good bullet-style notes look like versus a full script.
What does BLUF mean? Bottom line up front, definition and exampleBLUF means bottom line up front: lead with your main point or request, then the details. See where it comes from and an example spoken update, before and after.
What does building rapport mean? Definition and examplesWhat rapport means in conversation and job interviews, specific behaviours that build it with example lines, and the common habits that break it.
What does monotone mean in speaking? Definition and exampleWhat a monotone voice is, why it happens (scripts, nerves, tiredness), and how a sample line sounds flat versus varied. Fixes are in the linked guide.
What is a behavioral interview? Definition and examplesA behavioral interview defined: what it asks, how it differs from situational, technical and case interviews, and sample questions you'll likely hear.
What is a call to action in a speech? Definition and exampleWhat a call to action is at the end of a speech or presentation, what makes one work, and example closing lines for work talks, class and events.
What is a case interview? Definition and example questionWhat a case interview is, a made-up example case prompt, and how to talk through it out loud step by step, with example lines for each stage.
What is a closed question? Definition and examplesWhat a closed question is, examples of yes/no, either/or and short-fact questions, and when closed questions are more useful than open ones.
What is a competency-based interview? Definition and examplesA competency-based interview tests set skills like teamwork or decision-making with past examples. See common competencies, example questions and scoring.
What is a follow-up question? Definition and examplesA follow-up question builds on what someone just said. See types of follow-ups with examples for small talk, and the follow-ups interviewers ask and you can ask.
What is a hook in a speech? Definition and opening examplesA speech hook is the opening line that makes the audience want to keep listening. See six types of hook, a short example of each, and openings to avoid.
What is a keynote speech? Definition and example structureA keynote speech is the main talk that sets the theme of an event. See typical lengths, a minute-by-minute example structure and how it differs from other talks.
What is a mock interview? Definition and how it worksWhat a mock interview is, how one runs step by step, who can run it (a friend, a career office, a coach or an AI partner) and what you get from it.
What is a panel interview? Definition and what to expectA panel interview defined: who usually sits on the panel, what each person listens for, and how answering a group differs from a one-to-one interview.
What is a pause in public speaking? Definition and exampleA deliberate pause is a silence you use on purpose to land a point, separate ideas or replace a filler word. See pause types, typical lengths and a marked example.
What is a persuasive speech? Definition and example outlineWhat a persuasive speech is, how it differs from an informative speech, the three common types, and a short example outline with timings for 5 minutes.
What is a phone screen interview? Definition and what to expectWhat a recruiter phone screen is, how long it usually lasts, the questions to expect and why, and how speaking on the phone differs from in person.
What is a pitch deck? Definition and example slide outlineWhat a pitch deck is, the usual slide order with what to say on each slide, and how founders present a deck out loud to investors.
What is a rhetorical question? Definition and examplesWhat a rhetorical question is, example rhetorical questions from speeches and presentations, and when they work as an opener or fall flat.
What is a situational interview? Definition and examplesA situational interview asks 'what would you do if…' questions about likely job scenarios. See examples by role and how they differ from behavioral questions.
What is a stress interview? Definition and example questionsA stress interview deliberately puts pressure on candidates to see how they react. See common tactics, example questions and calm ways to respond.
What is active listening? Definition and example responsesWhat active listening means in conversation, its five parts, and example responses that show you heard someone, plus what it is not.
What is an anecdote in a speech? Definition and examplesWhat an anecdote is in a speech, how it differs from a full story or a general example, a short sample anecdote, and how to tell one in under a minute.
What is an elevator pitch? Definition and example scriptWhat an elevator pitch is, how long it should be in seconds and words, what goes in it, and one example script you can adapt out loud.
What is an extemporaneous speech? Definition and exampleAn extemporaneous speech is prepared and rehearsed but not memorised: you speak from brief notes. See how it differs from impromptu speaking and an example note card.
What is an icebreaker? Definition and examples for meetingsWhat an icebreaker is, example questions for team meetings, workshops, events and video calls, and what makes an icebreaker work or fall flat.
What is an impromptu speech? Definition and example topicsAn impromptu speech is a short talk given with little or no preparation. See a definition, how it differs from prepared speeches, and 15 example topics to practise.
What is an informational interview? Definition and examplesWhat an informational interview is, who asks for one and why, how it differs from a job interview, and example questions to ask in 20 minutes.
What is an informative speech? Definition and example topicsWhat an informative speech is, its main types, how it differs from a persuasive speech on the same topic, and example topics for class and work.
What is an open-ended question? Definition and examplesWhat an open-ended question is, how it differs from a closed question, and examples you can use in conversation, small talk and job interviews.
What is articulation in speaking? Definition and examplesArticulation is how clearly you shape sounds and word endings. See clear vs slurred speech examples, why it matters on calls, and a 2-minute warm-up.
What is body language? Definition and examples in speakingBody language defined, with speaking examples: stance, gestures, face and eye contact, what each often signals to listeners, and on video calls.
What is cadence in speaking? Definition and examplesCadence is the rhythm and flow of speech: how pace, pauses and stress rise and fall. See choppy, sing-song and smooth cadence examples and how to fix yours.
What is diaphragmatic breathing for speaking? DefinitionDiaphragmatic (belly) breathing supports your voice when you speak. See what it is, how it differs from chest breathing, and a simple 3-minute practice exercise.
What is diction in speaking? Definition and examplesDiction means two things: the words you choose and how clearly you pronounce them. See examples of each, with plain and formal word choices and clear speech.
What is executive presence? Definition and examplesWhat people mean by executive presence, the speaking behaviours usually linked to it with example lines, and the fair criticisms of the term.
What is glossophobia? Definition of fear of public speakingGlossophobia is the term for fear of public speaking. What the word means, common signs before and during a talk, and where to read more. Not medical advice.
What is hedging language? Definition and examples of hedge wordsHedging language softens what you say: just, maybe, I think, sort of. See common hedge words, before-and-after examples, and when hedging helps or weakens you.
What is impostor syndrome? Definition and example when speakingImpostor syndrome explained in plain terms: what it is, how it sounds when you present or interview, and steadier phrasing. General info, not medical advice.
What is intonation in speaking? Definition and examplesIntonation explained: how pitch rises and falls across a sentence, what it signals, and examples of statements versus questions and lists in English.
What is mirroring in conversation? Definition and examplesMirroring means subtly matching someone's posture, energy or words to build connection. See examples of body, voice and verbal mirroring, and when it backfires.
What is Monroe's motivated sequence? Definition and exampleMonroe's motivated sequence is a five-step persuasive structure: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, action. See each step with a short example line.
What is paraphrasing in conversation? Definition and examplesParaphrasing as a listening skill: what it means to reflect back what someone said, example lines for work, friends and customers, and when to use it.
What is Pecha Kucha? Definition and example presentation formatPecha Kucha is 20 slides shown for 20 seconds each, a 6 minute 40 second talk. See the rules, words per slide, where it came from and an example topic plan.
What is signposting in a presentation? Definition and examplesSignposting means using short phrases that tell listeners where you are in a talk. See a list of example signposts for previewing, moving on, contrasting and closing.
What is small talk? Definition and examples of good topicsSmall talk defined: what light conversation is for, good topics with example lines you can say, and the topics most people avoid with strangers.
What is stage fright? Definition, signs and exampleStage fright is the fear and physical stress of performing in front of others: speaking, music, acting or sport. Learn the signs and how it differs from glossophobia.
What is the CAR method? Definition and example answerThe CAR method answers interview questions in three parts: Challenge, Action, Result. See what each part means and one compact example answer under a minute.
What is the PREP method? Definition and example answerThe PREP method gives a clear answer in four parts: Point, Reason, Example, Point. See what each part does and one compact example answer under a minute.
What is the pyramid principle? Definition and spoken exampleThe pyramid principle structures communication answer-first: main point, then grouped reasons, then details. See the shape and an example spoken update.
What is the rule of three in speaking? Definition and examplesThe rule of three means grouping ideas, examples or words in threes so they're easy to follow and remember. See example lines for toasts, updates and pitches.
What is the STAR method? Definition and example answerThe STAR method defined: Situation, Task, Action, Result. What each part means, how much time each deserves, and one compact example answer.
What is the STARR method? Definition and example answerThe STARR method is STAR plus Reflection: Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection. See what the extra R adds and example closing lines that work.
What is uptalk? Definition and example of rising intonationUptalk means ending a statement with a rising pitch, as if asking a question. See an example, how listeners may hear it, and how to check your own.
What is vocal fry? Definition and example in speakingWhat vocal fry sounds like, why it happens at the ends of sentences, and how listeners may hear it on calls and recordings. No judgment of anyone's voice.
What is vocal projection? Definition and example in speakingVocal projection means making your voice carry to the back of a room with breath support, not by shouting. See projection vs shouting and an example room check.
What is vocal variety? Definition and examples in speechesVocal variety means changing your pitch, pace, volume and pauses as you speak. See one example line said five ways and how each change shifts the meaning.
What is words per minute in speaking? Definition and examplesWords per minute (wpm) measures speaking pace. See typical ranges for conversation and presentations, how to calculate yours, and worked examples.