the difference between presentation and speaking

9 Differences between Presentation and Public Speaking?

By: Author Shrot Katewa

People often confuse presentation with public speaking. After all, both require you to speak in front of an audience. But, there are subtle and important differences between a presentation and public speaking. It is better to understand this difference so that we can prepare accordingly and get the best results!

So, in this article, I will be sharing with you a few key differences between a presentation and public speaking. So, let’s get started!

1. Communication Format

Traditionally, Public Speaking is giving a speech face to face to a live audience. It comprises various forms of spoken communication skills ranging from imparting a speech or debate to motivational speaking to storytelling to Ted talks to entertaining such as a standup comedian.

However, with technological advancements, such as video conferencing, the concept evolved. In modern times, public speaking can be defined as any form of speaking between the speaker and the audience.

On the other hand, a presentation comprises spoken and visual communication. It may be a slide show or an audiovisual presentation. The topic is presented not only verbally but also by displaying content in writing supported with charts, tables, images, or text. 

2. Skills Required

Public speaking is the act of presenting a topic verbally. It is often used as a medium to transfer information, but most importantly, to motivate and encourage the audience.

That said, the only input that goes into public speaking is the speaker, his or her verbal talent and style of communication, all elements displayed collectively as a package.

Whereas presentation requires the presenter to combine verbal and written content and to work with visual presentation programs such as Microsoft power point or Google slides.

3. Time for Preparation

Public speaking is more of an art than just a skill. While you are expected to do a good job when you have time at hand, but a good orator is the one who has the skills to resonate with the audience even when he or she is put on the spot!

At times public speaking may be spontaneous such as extempore. Extempore is a speech that is delivered without preparation. The speaker is given a topic on the spot and is given a minute or two to prepare on the same.

Compared with this presentation is a prepared act. Before the presentation, the presenter is ready with all the required information and facts intertwined in a pre-defined sequence. More often than not, a presentation is on a specific topic and the presenter is given ample amount of time for preparation.

4. Creativity Index

Public speaking is an art that is creative. It may be formal or informal in nature. The style of delivery of every individual is different from others. Every speaker possesses few unique qualities and has complete freedom to design his or her communication style.

Presentation is usually a formal offering. It is a form or act that has to be delivered according to certain pre-set instructions and guidelines. The presenter has limited scope and freedom to divert and add creativity to the presentation. For instance, the most common scope of limitation is the amount of time available to deliver a presentation.

5. Purpose of the Speaker

One of the forms of public speaking is debate. In a debate, every participant speaks either in favor or against the topic. The participant has to convince the audience to agree with his stance – whether right or wrong!

Most forms of public speaking work in a similar fashion. The purpose of the speaker is to convince the audience to agree with the stance of the speaker.

However, in a presentation, a topic is presented comprehensively. The topic is explained in detail highlighting various related points such as advantages, disadvantages, improvement areas, resolution plan, targets, or rewards. The primary aim of the presenter is to educate the audience on the topic, and perhaps drive a call to action.

6. Elements for Effectiveness

Effective public speaking requires the speaker to deliver so efficiently that at the end the audience stands out thrilled, amazed, and persuaded.

An impressive delivery secures more marks than intelligent content. A number of elements such as spontaneity, presence of mind, voice modulations, facial expressions, eye contact, or body language go into the making of an effective speaker. For example, in a singing reality show a participant is judged not only on the basis of his voice quality but also on the way he presents himself while singing, popularly known as the X factor.

Unlike public speaking, a presentation focuses more on content rather than on communication style. The key responsibility of the presenter is to provide the audience with detailed information on the topic covering all its aspects.

An example that may be quoted is that of an author narrating a story through a kid’s YouTube video. In the video, the author narrates the story using various voice modulations to make it entertaining for the kids and to make them feel every emotion of the characters. This case portrays the modern form of public speaking where face-to-face interaction has been eliminated.

At the same time the author presents the story using text, pictures, animations or effects in the video to make the kids visualize the characters and understand the flow of the story. 

7. Size of the Audience 

In public speaking, a speaker can address an audience ranging from a group of few people to a large gathering with thousands or millions of people. An interview wherein two people are in conversation with each other or a motivational speaker addressing a huge crowd may both be considered examples of public speaking.

On the other hand, a presentation is made to a defined set of people organized together in a small or mid-sized group with a limited number of members. To cite an example, students presenting a case study to the classmates or an advertising agency presenting to its prospective client.

Most large forms of presentations won’t usually exceed an audience that can fill an auditorium often limited to a few hundreds. Whereas, for public speaking, the audience can be a large gathering of thousands of people in a ground!

8. Type of Audience

Generally speaking, the type of audience present during a public speaking event is usually a group or a mass of unknown people. The speaker is neither acquainted with the audience nor related to it in any way. For instance, when a spiritual speaker addresses a group of people he is not familiar with the members of the audience.

As against it, in case of presentation the audience comprises a set of people who are familiar with the speaker. Citing the example of a business presentation, say a supervisor presenting to his team the road map to be followed to meet the annual targets, the presenter and every individual in the audience are connected to each other in professional capacity.

9. Motive of the Audience

In public speaking, the people listening to the speaker do not have a common vested interest and every individual in the audience has his own personal motive to fulfill. To elaborate, using the prior example of a spiritual speaker, it is possible that one individual may have resorted to spirituality to overcome his condition of depression and another individual may be listening to the speaker to learn how to control his anger.    

Contrary to the above, in the case of a presentation, all the members participating in the presentation and the speaker have a common vested interest towards which they all intend to work collectively. Drawing from the prior example of a business presentation, the supervisor and all the team members have a common goal of achieving the annual targets.

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Difference Between Public Speaking And Presentation: Explained

Delve into the world of Difference Between Public Speaking and Presentation. Gain insights into the fundamental distinctions between public speaking and presentation skills. Explore the nuances of each, uncover the key differences, and highlight the surprising similarities. Discover strategies to master both public speaking and presentation skills.

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So, by gaining a deeper understanding of the Difference Between Public Speaking and Presentation, you can leverage these skills appropriately in various scenarios. But how are they different, and how can they enhance your ability to influence others? Worry no more. 

Read this blog to learn about the Difference Between Public Speaking and Presentation. Also, explore the key elements and techniques that make each of these unique. 

Table of contents  

1) Understanding Public Speaking 

2) Exploring Presentation skills 

3) Public Speaking and Presentation Skills – Key differences 

4) Similarities between Public Speaking and Presentations 

5) How can you master Public Speaking and Presentation skills? 

6) Conclusion 

Understanding Public Speaking  

Public Speaking is a powerful form of communication that allows individuals to deliver a message, express their thoughts and ideas, and engage with an audience. It is a skill that plays a significant role in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional success. 

Public Speaking is the act of speaking to a group of people in a formal or informal setting to convey information, persuade, inspire, or entertain. It involves effectively delivering a message through verbal communication, utilising language, tone, and body language to captivate and engage the listeners. 

Importance of Public Speaking Skills  

Developing strong Public Speaking Skills is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it empowers individuals to articulate their ideas confidently and clearly. Delivering a Presentation in the workplace, speaking at a conference, or even expressing oneself in social settings, the ability to communicate effectively can greatly impact how ideas are perceived and understood. 

Secondly, Public Speaking Skills are essential for professional growth and success. Many leadership positions require individuals to be able to address and inspire teams, present ideas to clients, and represent their organisations in public forums. Mastering the art of Public Speaking can significantly enhance career prospects and open doors to new opportunities.  

Elements of Effective Public Speaking  

To become an effective Public Speaker, several elements should be considered: 

a) Clear and concise message delivery: A successful Public Speaker communicates their message clearly, ensuring the audience understands the main points and takeaways. 

b) Engaging storytelling techniques: Storytelling captivates an audience and helps them connect emotionally with the speaker's message. Incorporating anecdotes, examples, and narratives can make the speech more memorable and impactful. 

c) Effective use of vocal variety and body language: Public Speaking is not just about words; it’s about how they are delivered. Skilful use of the vocal variety, such as tone, pace, and emphasis, can add depth and meaning to the speech. Similarly, utilising appropriate body language, such as gestures and facial expressions, enhances the speaker’s credibility and engagement with the audience. 

Exploring Presentation skills  

Presentations are a common and essential form of communication in various professional and educational settings. It can be defined as a structured communication process that involves delivering information to an audience using visual aids such as slides, charts, or multimedia. 

It serves as a tool to enhance understanding, engage listeners visually, and support the speaker’s message. Further, Presentations can occur in boardrooms, classrooms, conferences, or any setting where information needs to be effectively communicated. 

Importance of Presentation skills  

Developing strong Presentation skills is essential in today’s fast-paced and visually-oriented world. Whether in business, academia, or other professional fields, the ability to deliver compelling Presentations can make a significant impact. 

Effective Presentation skills enable individuals to organise content, engage the audience, and leave a memorable impression. To deliver an impactful Presentation, several components should be considered: 

a) Clear structure and organisation: A well-structured Presentation follows a logical flow, with a clear introduction, main points, and conclusion. It allows the audience to follow along easily and comprehend the key ideas being presented. 

b)  Engaging visual design and layout: Visual design plays a crucial role in capturing the audience's attention and conveying information effectively. Using consistent colour schemes, appropriate fonts, and visually appealing layouts can enhance the visual impact of the Presentation. 

c) Effective use of multimedia elements : Integrating multimedia elements such as images, videos, or audio clips can enhance understanding and engage the audience on multiple sensory levels. These elements should be relevant, well-timed, and used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the audience. 

d) Skillful delivery and timing: A successful Presentation requires effective delivery skills. This includes maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly and audibly, and utilising appropriate pacing and pauses. The timing of the Presentation should be well-managed to ensure audience engagement throughout. 

Public Speaking and Presentation Skills – Key differences  

While Public Speaking and Presentations are related forms of communication, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding these differences can help individuals navigate various communication scenarios effectively. Let’s explore the key differences between Public Speaking and Presentations: 

Level of interactivity  

One significant Difference Between Public Speaking and Presentations lies in the level of interactivity with the audience. In Public Speaking, there is often direct engagement with the audience, allowing for questions, discussions, and active participation. The speaker may seek audience feedback, encourage dialogue, or facilitate interactive activities to foster engagement. 

Presentations, on the other hand, typically have a more one-way communication style. While there might be opportunities for questions at the end, the focus is primarily on delivering the content in a structured manner. Presenters often rely on visual aids and slides to support their message, aiming to inform or educate the audience rather than actively engage them in a dialogue. 

Time frame and structure  

Public Speaking engagements can vary significantly in terms of duration. They can range from brief speeches delivered in a few minutes to longer keynote addresses that span an hour or more. Public Speakers have the flexibility to adapt their content and delivery style based on the time allotted and the specific needs of the audience. 

Presentations, on the other hand, are typically more time-bound and follow a structured format. They often have a designated time limit, requiring presenters to plan and organise their content within that timeframe carefully. Presentations commonly follow a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a predefined agenda or outline to guide the flow of information. 

Use of visual aids  

Visual aids are crucial in Presentations, supporting the content being delivered. Presenters often rely on slides, charts, graphs, or other visual elements to enhance understanding and engage the audience visually. These visual aids serve as a complementary tool, reinforcing key points and visual representation of data or concepts. 

In Public Speaking, the use of visual aids is not as prevalent. While speakers may incorporate visual elements sparingly, the focus is primarily on the verbal delivery and the speaker’s ability to captivate the audience through storytelling, rhetoric, or personal connection. Public Speakers rely more on their communication skills and the power of their words to convey their message effectively. 

Emphasis on persuasion vs. information  

Another Difference Between Public Speaking and Presentations lies in the emphasis on persuasion versus information. Public Speaking often aims to persuade and influence the audience. Whether it’s convincing them to adopt a certain viewpoint, take action, or change their perspective, Public Speakers utilise persuasive techniques such as rhetoric, emotional appeals, and logical arguments to sway the audience’s opinions or attitudes. 

Presentations, on the other hand, primarily focus on providing information and delivering content clearly and concisely. While there may be elements of persuasion involved, such as influencing the audience’s understanding or decision-making process, the primary goal of a Presentation is to convey information accurately and effectively. 

Degree of formality  

Public Speaking and Presentations also differ in terms of formality. Public Speaking can encompass a wide range of settings, from formal events such as conferences or academic lectures to more informal gatherings or impromptu speeches. The level of formality may vary depending on the context and the expectations of the audience. 

On the other hand, presentations tend to be more structured and formal. They often involve preparing and delivering information professionally, such as in business meetings, educational settings, or corporate Presentations. Presenters are expected to adhere to certain guidelines and standards of professionalism in their delivery. 

Enhance your Public Speaking skills and become a confident speaker with our Public Speaking Training .  

Similarities between Public Speaking and Presentations  

While Public Speaking and Presentations have distinct characteristics, they also share several similarities that contribute to effective communication. Understanding these commonalities can help individuals enhance their skills in both areas. So, Let’s learn about the similarities between Public Speaking and Presentations: 

Effect on the audience  

Both Public Speaking and Presentations can be measured in terms of their effectiveness. In both scenarios, the speaker's ability to engage the audience, convey the intended message clearly, and leave a lasting impact are crucial factors. 

Evaluating the audience's response, feedback, and level of understanding can provide insights into the effectiveness of both Public Speaking and Presentations. 

Communication skills  

Effective communication skills are vital in both Public Speaking and Presentations. Clear articulation, proper use of body language, tone of voice, and the ability to engage the audience are essential elements for success. Whether it's capturing the attention of the listeners during a Public Speaking engagement or delivering a compelling Presentation, honing communication skills is critical in both scenarios. 

Audience size  

The size of the audience can vary in both Public Speaking and Presentations. While Public Speaking often involves addressing a larger audience, such as in conferences or seminars, Presentations can range from small groups to larger gatherings. In both cases, speakers need to adapt their communication style, engage the audience, and tailor their content to meet the expectations and needs of the listeners. 

Creativity window  

Both Public Speaking and Presentations provide an opportunity for speakers to showcase their creativity. Whether using storytelling techniques, incorporating visual aids, or employing rhetorical devices, creativity plays a significant role in capturing the audience’s attention and conveying the message effectively. The ability to think outside the box and present ideas in an engaging and innovative manner can elevate both Public Speaking and Presentations. 

The overall goal of the speaker  

While the specific objectives may vary, the overall goal of the speaker remains consistent in both Public Speaking and Presentations. It is to effectively communicate a message, share knowledge, influence opinions, or inspire action. Whether it's delivering a motivational speech or presenting a business proposal, the speaker aims to engage the audience, leave an impact, and achieve the desired outcome. 

Gain in-depth knowledge of communicating through interactive diagrams with our Visual Communication Training .  

How to master Public Speaking and Presentation skills?   

a) Research and analyse your audience to tailor your content and delivery to their interests and needs. 

b) Craft concise messages that are easy to understand, avoiding jargon or complex language. 

c) Rehearse your speech or Presentation multiple times to build confidence and improve delivery. 

d)Use appropriate gestures, maintain eye contact, and control your vocal tone to enhance communication. 

e) Incorporate visual elements such as slides or props to enhance understanding and engagement. 

f) Encourage interaction, ask rhetorical questions, or use storytelling techniques to captivate the audience. 

g) Be flexible in adapting your communication style to different formal or informal settings. 

h) Be yourself and let your passion and enthusiasm shine through in your delivery. 

Conclusion  

Understanding the Difference Between Public Speaking and Presentation skills is a valuable asset that can greatly enhance your communication abilities. By understanding these differences, you can become a confident and compelling communicator, making a lasting impact on your personal and professional endeavours. Learn how to communicate effectively and become a catalyst of change with our Communication Skills Training .  

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Speech vs. presentation: What’s the difference?

• Written by: Joby Blume
• Categories: Visual communication , Industry insights
• Comments: 6

What’s the difference between a presentation and a speech? Many people use the words interchangeably, but there are two main areas of difference according to the dictionary definitions. Whether one accepts the dictionary definition is another matter – my four year-old daughter sometimes refuses – but that makes further discussion pretty difficult.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), a speech is defined as:

a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience

According to the Scrabble fan’s choice – the Collins English Dictionary – a speech is:

a talk or address delivered to an audience

Note that in the Collins definition, the part about being formal is missing.

Presentation

Both the Oxford English and Collins dictionaries define presentation as including some sort of visual element. The OED definition is:

a speech or talk in which a new product, idea, or piece of work is shown and explained to an audience

Note that this includes the word ‘shown’. The Collins definition is even clearer in explicitly mentioning the use of illustrative material:

a verbal report presented with illustrative material, such as slides, graphs, etc

The Collins Dictionary also notes how the word presentation is used more generally to talk about how things are  shown – ‘ the manner of presenting, esp the organization of visual details to create an overall impression’.

Presentations and speeches

Does the distinction hold perfectly? No. Firstly, people use the terms interchangeably, so of course the real world is full of speeches that are called presentations and presentations that are called speeches. Which leads to a natural blurring of the boundaries. Second, some presentations are very formal indeed, and some set-piece speeches (e.g. The State of the Union Address ) can have visuals added to them but without the orator interacting with them.

The boundaries aren’t sharp. But, according to the definition, a speech is a talk or address, and a presentation is a talk  with the use of some sort of visual aid. 

Speech vs. presentation

Why does this matter? Because giving a speech – for a lot of people – seems harder than giving a presentation. Bad slides are actually worse than no slides . But the reason so many speakers want slides or props is because they find it too hard to deliver speeches, and because effective visual aids makes it easier for them to get their points across.

Effective visuals – that  support  a speaker – make delivering presentations easier than delivering speeches for most people. Not everyone feels they can hold an audience with simply the sound of their own voice.

Great speeches are, well… great. But they aren’t the same as presentations, and shouldn’t be held up as examples of what those giving presentations should emulate.

P.S. For more on words and definitions, see Meaning and Necessity by Saul Kripke.

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How to make the ULTIMATE sales presentation

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Sales presentations are the cornerstone of many companies’ sales efforts, yet so often they aren’t given the time and attention they deserve. Thrown together at the last-minute, often your sales reps stand up in front of a sales presentation that's nothing more than a glorified page of notes. Read this article for everything you need to make the ultimate sales presentation.

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This is very interesting. I do appreciate it.

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Deference between speech and presentation

Speech Vs Presentation Vs Debate Compitation? Speech: Speech Eleborate In Your Ideas That You Have Crammed(Ratafication). Presetation:To Suggest Anything Infront Of All Student By Using Your Slides Its Own Way That You Have Worked For Project. Debate Compitation:To Disscuss Your Ideas With One Another..

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Public Speaking and Presentations: Tips for Success

This resource includes tips and suggestions for improving your public speaking skills.

Even if you’ve never spoken in front of a large group before, chances are you will encounter public speaking sometime during your life. Whether you’re giving a presentation for your classmates or addressing local politicians at a city council meeting, public speaking allows you to convey your thoughts and feelings in clear ways. Having the right tools can prepare you for successful public speaking and equip you with high-quality communication skills.

Know Your Audience

Different audiences require different modes of public speaking. How you address a room full of preschoolers will vary from how you address a group of professors at an academic conference. Not only will your vocabulary change, but you might alter your pacing and tone as well.

Knowing your audience also helps you decide the content of your speech. For example, if you’re presenting research to a group of scientists, you might not need to define all your scientific language. However, if you present that same research to a group of individuals who are unfamiliar with your scientific field, you may need to define your terms or use simpler language.

Recognizing the extent to which your audience is familiar with your topic helps you center your presentation around the most important elements and avoid wasting time on information your audience either 1) already knows or 2) does not need to know for the purpose of your speech.

Knowing your audience also means tailoring your information to them. Try to keep things straight and to the point; leave out extraneous anecdotes and irrelevant statistics.

Establish Your Ethos and Feel Confident in Your Subject

It’s important to let your audience know what authority you have over your subject matter. If it’s clear you are familiar with your subject and have expertise, your audience is more likely to trust what you say.

Feeling confident in your subject matter will help establish your ethos. Rather than simply memorizing the content on your PowerPoint slides or your note cards, consider yourself a “mini expert” on your topic. Read up on information related to your topic and anticipate questions from the audience. You might want to prepare a few additional examples to use if people ask follow-up questions. Being able to elaborate on your talking points will help you stay calm during a Q & A section of your presentation.

Stick to a Few Main Points

Organizing your information in a logical way not only helps you keep track of what you’re saying, but it helps your audience follow along as well. Try to emphasize a few main points in your presentation and return to them before you conclude. Summarizing your information at the end of your presentation allows your audience to walk away with a clear sense of the most important facts.

For example, if you gave a presentation on the pros and cons of wind energy in Indiana, you would first want to define wind energy to make sure you and your audience are on the same page. You might also want to give a brief history of wind energy to give context before you go into the pros and cons. From there, you could list a few pros and a few cons. Finally, you could speculate on the future of wind energy and whether Indiana could provide adequate land and infrastructure to sustain wind turbines. To conclude, restate a few of the main points (most likely the pros and cons) and end with the most important takeaway you want the audience to remember about wind energy in Indiana.

Don't be Afraid to Show Your Personality

Delivering information without any sort of flourish or style can be boring. Allowing your personality to show through your speaking keeps you feeling relaxed and natural. Even if you’re speaking about something very scientific or serious, look for ways to let your personality come through your speech.

For example, when Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek announced in March of 2019 that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he still let his trademark dignity and professionalism set the tone for his address. He began his announcement by saying “it’s in keeping with my long-time policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fan base.” Later, he joked that he would need to overcome his illness in order to fulfill his contract, whose terms required him to host the show for three more years. Though the nature of Trebek's announcement could easily have justified a grim, serious tone, the host instead opted to display the charm that has made him a household name for almost thirty-five years. In doing so, he reminded his audience precisely why he is so well-loved.

Use Humor (When Appropriate)

Using humor at appropriate moments can keep your audience engaged and entertained. While not all occasions are appropriate for humor, look for moments where you can lighten the mood and add some humor.

For example, just two months after the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan, Reagan was in the middle of giving a speech when a balloon loudly popped while he was speaking. Reagan paused his speech to say “missed me,” then immediately continued speaking. This off-the-cuff humor worked because it was appropriate, spontaneous, and did not really distract from his message.

Similarly, at the end of his final White House Correspondents Dinner, Barack Obama concluded his speech by saying “Obama out” and dropping the mic. Once again, the humor did not distract from his message, but it did provide a light-hearted shift in his tone.  

Don't Let Visual Aids Distract From Your Presentation

Visual aids, such as PowerPoints or handouts, often go alongside presentations. When designing visual aids, be sure they do not distract from the content of your speech. Having too many pictures or animations can cause audience members to pay more attention to the visuals rather than what you’re saying.

However, if you present research that relies on tables or figures, having many images may help your audience better visualize the research you discuss. Be aware of the ways different types of presentations demand different types of visual aids.

Be Aware of Your Body Language

When it comes to giving a presentation, nonverbal communication is equally as important as what you’re saying. Having the appropriate posture, gestures, and movement complement the spoken element of your presentation. Below are a few simple strategies to make you appear more confident and professional.

Having confident posture can make or break a presentation. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your arms at your sides. Slouching or crossing your arms over your chest makes you appear smaller and more insecure. However, be sure you’re not too rigid. Just because you’re standing up tall does not mean you cannot move around.

Eye contact

Making eye contact with your audience not only makes them feel connected to you but it also lets you gauge their response to you. Try to look around the room and connect with different audience members so you’re not staring at the same people the whole time. If you notice your audience starting to nod off, it might be a good time to change your tone or up your energy. 

Avoid distracting or compulsive gestures

While hand gestures can help point out information in a slide or on a poster, large or quick gestures can be distracting. When using gestures, try to make them feel like a normal part of your presentation.

It’s also easy to slip into nervous gestures while presenting. Things like twirling your hair or wringing your hands can be distracting to your audience. If you know you do something like this, try to think hard about not doing it while you’re presenting.

Travel (if possible)

If you are presenting on a stage, walking back and forth can help you stay relaxed and look natural. However, be sure you’re walking slowly and confidently and you’re using an appropriate posture (described above). Try to avoid pacing, which can make you appear nervous or compulsive.

Rehearse (if Possible)

The difference between knowing your subject and rehearsing comes down to how you ultimately present your information. The more you rehearse, the more likely you are to eliminate filler words such as like and um . If possible, try practicing with a friend and have them use count the filler words you use. You can also record yourself and play back the video. The more you rehearse, the more confident you will feel when it comes time to actually speak in front of an audience.

Finally, Relax!

Although public speaking takes time and preparation, perhaps one of the most important points is to relax while you’re speaking. Delivering your information in a stiff way prevents you from appearing natural and letting your personality come through. The more relaxed you feel, the more confident your information will come across.

Presentation Skills vs. Public Speaking What’s the Difference?

People often think that public speaking and presentation skills are the same thing and use it interchangeably. After all, public speaking and presentation require you to give a speech in front of an audience. However, this is not the case as there are subtle differences between the two skills. It is advisable to understand the differences to prepare accordingly. This will give you the best results.

Read the article to know about the differences between public speaking skills and presentation skills. 

What is a Presentation Skill?

Presentation skill is defined as when a piece of valuable information is shared with data to an audience. It represents how beautifully you can represent a specific topic along with a speech in front of a crowd. An individual needs to develop qualities to present the data and discuss the information so that the audience will listen to them with undivided attention. Some people have to improve their skills while others may have natural presentation skills. 

What is Public Speaking? 

On the other hand,  public speaking  is defined as the skill to speak effectively and confidently in front of a large crowd. In public speaking, you can share your life experiences to educate the crowd about certain situations. You entertain them with your body language and facial expressions. You perform in a way so that the mass enjoys hearing you and pays attention to your every word. 

You might have observed how a chief guest or organization leader can hook the audience to their seats with their speech and style. It is considered an art so you have to be an artist to draw the attention of the crowd toward you. 

Six Major Differences Between Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Let us look at the six major differences between public speaking and presentation skills. 

• Skills Required

Public speaking is the art of transferring knowledge from one person to another. It is mostly used to motivate and encourage the audience. According to some experts, public speaking requires only the skills of a speaker to present themselves verbally with different communication styles among the live audience and entertain them. 

On the other hand, presentation skill requires an individual to combine their verbal skills with writing abilities. It requires an individual to work on visuals such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, or any other applications. 

• Preparation Time

Public speaking  is an art rather than a skill. The audience would expect you to do a good job when you have enough time for preparation but a good speaker can resonate with the audience even if they are put on the spot! Public speaking might be spontaneous. In extempore, it is spontaneous. The speaker is given a topic and a few minutes to prepare for the topic. 

Now, presentation is always a prepared act. An individual has ample time to prepare for their presentation. He is ready with all the information and facts with slide shows. A presentation is given on a specific topic and the presenter has enough time to collect data and information and prepare the tables and charts. 

Since public speaking is an art, it is creative. It can be formal or informal depending on the occasion and the place. The delivery style is different for every individual. Every individual has their weaknesses and strengths. Every speaker has a unique style that cannot be learned. Moreover, the speaker has the freedom to formulate their communication style. 

The presentation is formal. It has to be delivered according to instructions and guidelines. The presenter cannot incorporate their communication and delivery style . They have to follow the format of a presentation. Moreover, they have a limited scope to add their creativity to the presentation. 

• The Purpose of the Speaker

Debate is one of the forms of public speaking where every participant speaks either in favor or against the topic. Most forms of public speaking work in this manner where the purpose of the speaker is to convince the audience with the stance of the speaker. 

In a presentation, the topic is explained in detail highlighting every important point. The presenter has no particular stance. They provide every information related to the topic. The purpose of the presenter is to educate the audience about the topic in a detailed way. 

• Size and Type of Audience

In public speaking, a speaker can address a crowd ranging from a few people to large gatherings. An interview where two people are talking and a standup comedian entertaining a large crowd are examples of public speaking. The types of audience are unknown people. The speaker has not met them nor does he know the audience. 

A presentation is presented in front of a defined set of people who are limited in numbers. Students presenting a presentation in a class and a manager talking about prospects’ business ideas with a client are examples of presentation skills. 

• Format of the Communication

Public speaking is giving a speech in front of a large audience. It involves various types of communication skills ranging from giving a speech or a debate to motivating the audience through storytelling or Ted Talks. It also involves poetry recitation to stand-up comedies to entertain the live audience. However, technology has advanced these days. Today, public speaking is defined as any form of communication between a speaker and the audience.

A presentation involves visual and spoken communication in the form of a slide show or an audiovisual slide show. Here, the topic is not only communicated to the audience but is supported with tables, charts, diagrams, images, and others. In the case of a presentation, the presenter knows the audience and is familiar with them. 

In a Nutshell

Public speaking  and presentation skills are important aspects for an individual to grow in their personal as well as professional lives. Orator Academy understands this and brings you a platform where you can enhance your skills. It brings you the online course for public speaking skills and presentation skills training . The course overviews are designed by experts for beginners as well as intermediates. The coach is dedicated to helping you and will guide you at every step. Click on the official website of Orator Academy to learn more.

Vineeta Khanna

Vineeta Khanna is one of the most well known and successful public speaking coaches In New York and New Jersey. As the founder of Orator Academy, she has helped hundreds of young students and working professionals to become confident speakers.

Vineeta has worked with hundreds of students of all ages: elementary school students, college students, interns, job seekers, Wall Street professionals, home makers, IT professionals, teachers and more.

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What Is the Difference Between a Speech & a Presentation?

by Barbara Bean-Mellinger

Published on 22 Oct 2018

Many people use the words "speech" and "presentation" interchangeably since both involve speaking in front of a group. It's true that both can be dreaded for that very reason. Others note the difference is that speakers in a presentation use visual aids, while those in a speech typically don't. While that's true enough, there are many other distinct differences between the two.

Formal or Not So Formal

Don't tell the speaker giving a presentation in front of the company CEO and other bigwigs that it isn't a formal occurrence. His sweaty palms say otherwise. But, nervousness aside, presentations are given many times throughout the year in business, from sales meetings to conferences, while speeches are reserved for high profile, public events and special occasions like retirement parties and company mergers. Because of this, speeches are more formal. Not that the speaker has to wear formal attire; if only it were that simple to pull off a great speech! Also, the audience is more interested in what your presentation will show them, than they are in you and how you present. Whereas in a speech, it’s just you up there, so all eyes and ears are on you.

Emotional or Just the Facts?

If you think speeches tug at the listeners' emotions while presentations present the facts with visual backup, you're partially right. Speeches make use of anecdotes that pull you in. As you listen you may be thinking, "That's happened to me too!" Or, if the story is unique or outlandish, it leaves you feeling amazed that such a thing happened to the speaker. Stories people can relate to can help presentations, too, but they're not as critical and they can even be distracting. You're already talking and showing visuals; adding stories can seem like too much of a diversion.

Caring Versus Passion

Caring about your work always makes it better. But in a presentation, you can and should dazzle people with your visuals. They're not your backup; they're as critical to your presentation as your explanations. It's a lot like show-and-tell. Without the things to show, you'd have nothing to tell. If you make sure all the charts and graphs you show are easy to understand, your audience will get your messages. A speech, on the other hand, is just you. This is where your passion really comes through, or your lack of it turns your speech into a dud. It's important to decide what your speech's core message is, then build out from that with quotes, anecdotes and humor to convey your message in a memorable way.

Speech and Presentation and More

You may be wondering about other types of public speaking. What's the difference between a seminar and a presentation; or a speech and a lecture? How about the difference between a speech and a debate?

A seminar is different from a presentation in that it's more interactive. While a presentation is given by one person, a seminar involves the participants in some way. It could include small group discussions or a panel. Since seminars are typically several hours in length, they often have many parts that vary in structure to keep people interested.

A lecture is similar to a speech because both are rather formal and one person is doing the talking. Lectures are more often used to teach something, particularly in a college class. Since lectures are typically given during every class period, they aren't expected to be as dramatic or dynamic as a speech, though it might be more motivating if they were!

A debate differs from both a speech and a presentation because it's between two sides that are equally involved. Each side usually takes an opposing view on the debate question or subject. It's often like a contest where, at the end of it, a vote is taken to decide who won the debate.

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What is the difference between public speaking and a presentation.

January 16, 2022

What is the difference between a presentation and a public speaking engagement?

A presentation and public speaking have a few key differences. People often think that a presentation is the same as public speaking. After all, you have to speak in front of a group in both. But, there are significant differences between giving a presentation and giving a speech in front of people. It is better to know this difference to plan and get the best results! In reality, there is a big difference between presenting and public speaking. Generally speaking, the goal is to entertain, influence, and inspire the people who listen to you. Presenting means discussing a specific purpose, coordinating that speech with a series of images or slides to support that goal, and measuring its results. Public speaking is a more general set of skills for talking to people. A presentation is different from public speaking in a few critical ways. So, in this article, I’ll tell you about them. So, let’s start now!

Public Speaking

A product or service – an idea or even yourself – is being sold every time you speak. It doesn’t matter what you are selling. Your job is to tell and inspire your audience to buy what you are selling. An idea or concept is now what you’re selling, and your goal is to get people to buy into or believe in that idea and change their behavior as a result. Emotions may play a more significant role than money in getting someone to buy into a project than money.

Presentations

On the other hand, a presentation is both spoken and visual communication. Is there going to be a slide show or some different kind of presentation going on? The subject is shown both verbally and in writing, with charts, tables, images, or text to support the written information. As a rule, most presentations in the business world are just audio tracks for PowerPoint presentations. The slide show is responsible for recording and transferring knowledge to the audience. To most people, a presentation is when someone gives a speech or talks to a group. If you think that way, “presenting” is just “public speaking done wrong.”

Some differences between public speaking and presentations

Presentations are less long than speeches. During the Q&A, there may be a presentation for ten minutes before the question time. They are very long. Bill Clinton’s speech at the DMC is still going on, but it’s not over yet.

In a speech, you talk to a group of people you don’t know very well. You know some things about them, but not enough to tailor your speech to them. When you give a presentation, you know who you’re talking to and what they like to do. You have a clear goal in mind, knowing what drives them.

For example, you may be at a podium in front of a group of people. It’s common for people to sit or stand next to each other in a presentation.

Oratory devices are standard in a lot of speeches—the big gestures. In a presentation, you have to figure out what the audience will take away from what you will say and make it seem like a good thing for them to do. So first, you need to start and close a strong business. Next, it needs to sum up your main points and then ask for the next step.

Most people think of a presentation as a speech or talk to showcase a new product and explain it to people.

Giving a presentation is public speaking, but the opposite is not valid. You aren’t always presenting something in the traditional sense when you speak in public. Giving a presentation is another form of public speaking.

Skills Required for a good presentation or public speaking event

Public speaking is talking about a subject in front of people. Public speaking passes on information and can also motivate and encourage people to listen to it.

That said, the only thing that goes into public speaking is the speaker, their verbal skills, and how they communicate as a whole.

PowerPoint and Google Slides are two types of visual presentation programs that require the presenter to combine verbal and written content and use them to make the presentation look good.

What is your purpose in speaking?

Debate is one of the ways people speak in front of people. Everyone who takes part in a discussion says for or against the subject. If the person is right or wrong, he must get the audience to agree with him.

Most types of public speaking work in the same way, but some are different. Speaker: The goal is to make the audience agree with the speaker’s stance.

However, in a presentation, a subject is covered in full. The topic is explained in great detail, highlighting several related points, such as the benefits and drawbacks, improvement areas, resolution plan, goals, or rewards. The primary purpose of the presenter is to teach the audience about the subject and, if possible, make them want to act.

How to effectively deliver a solid presentation or public speaking engagement

People who speak well in public must be able to deliver so quickly that, in the end, the audience is thrilled, amazed, and persuaded by what the speaker has said.

A presentation is different from public speaking because it focuses more on the content than on how to speak. The main job of the presenter is to give the audience a lot of information about the subject, covering all of its parts.

In this case, a YouTube video might show how an author is telling a story to a young person. In the video, the author tells the story in different voices to make it fun for kids and make them feel the characters’ emotions. This case shows how public speaking has changed in the modern world without face-to-face interaction.

At the same time, the author tells the story in the video with text, pictures, animations, or effects. Presentations & public speaking helps the people picture the characters and understand the flow of the story better.

An impressive presentation gets more points than well-thought-out content. Many things make a good speaker, like spontaneity, presence of mind, voice modulations, facial expressions, eye contact, body language, and so on. For example, when someone sings on a reality show, they are judged not only on their voice quality but also on how they act while singing, which is called the X-Factor.

In public speaking, a person can speak to a few people to a large group of tens of thousands or even a million people. There are two types of public speaking: an interview where two people talk to each other and a motivational speaker who talks to a large group.

Public speaking is different from a presentation. A presentation typically targets people who are all together in a small or medium-sized group with a limited number of people. People like students presenting a case study to their classmates or a company that wants to work with them.

Most big presentations don’t usually have more than a few hundred people in the audience. Because when you speak in front of a group of people in public, they can be many people.

Connecting with your audience while you are speaking

Most of the time, the people who show up at public speaking events are groups of people who don’t know each other. The speaker doesn’t know anyone in the audience or have any connection to them in any way, so they don’t know them. For example, when a spiritual speaker talks to a group of people he doesn’t know very well.

When the speaker gives a presentation, people in the audience are not strangers to them. In the example of a business presentation, say a supervisor giving his team the road map they need to follow to meet their annual goals. The presenter and everyone in the audience is connected professionally.

• Respond to what you see
• Look at people a bit longer
• Smile and have fun
• Be personal
• Refer to what they already know
• Walk towards your audience
• Compliment the audience
• Tell a story

Keeping people’s attention

As with giving a presentation, you’ll be afraid of walking into a room full of people who expect you to say something clear, powerful, and memorable.

The repetition of key phrases will help you keep the main point of your speech in mind and connect with your audience, two skills that are important for building presentations.

Whether you’re talking to a small group of people or a huge crowd, you need what’s called a “hook.” Take a look at them. What are you going to say or do that will get their attention?

Final Conclusion of presentation vs. public speaking

What’s the point? Because giving a speech – for many people – seems more complicated than giving a presentation, this is why. Bad slides are even worse than having no drops. There are many reasons why so many speakers want slides or props. They find it hard to deliver speeches, and effective visual aids make it easier to get their points across.

Most people find it easier to give presentations than to give speeches. Compelling visuals, which help the speaker, make this easier for most people. However, some people don’t think they can hold an audience with just the sound of their voice.

Good speeches are good because they are good, too. But they aren’t the same thing as presentations, and they shouldn’t be examples for people who give presentations to compare.

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Is There A Difference Between Presentation Skills And Public Speaking?

Believe It Or Not, They're Very Similar

What Are The Similarities?

1. you need an objective, 2. who are you presenting to.

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Believe It Or Not, They’re Very Similar

What do public speakers and presenters have in common? Well, in the first instance, they face the same challenges. Overcoming ‘ stage fright ,’ pitching their voice at the right level, understanding their audience, and researching content to ensure their facts are correct, are just some of the skills needed for anyone interested in public speaking or building presentations.

Overall, though, the ambitions of the two are almost identical; and so it stands to reason that the novice public speaker will benefit from attending courses originally designed with the professional presenter in mind.

Read more: 5 Pitching & Presentation Tips

What Are The Similarities?

If you are considering – or perhaps even practicing – public speaking, then you already have one thing in common with the person looking to learn presentation skills: an audience . The remaining similarities are a little more complex – but certainly not difficult to understand or learn given the right mentor and learning environment.

The points we’ve outlined below have been taken directly from some of our best-selling presentation courses and underline the extent to which they overlap with the objectives of an aspiring public speaker:

1. You Need An Objective

Whether you’re selling, explaining – or just want to improve your self-confidence – you’ll need to have an aim. This could be teaching your audience something new, pitching a product or service, or even telling them a funny story. Public speakers, like presenters, must, therefore, structure their dialogue around this central ‘theme’ to ensure they get their point across clearly.

2. Who Are You Presenting To?

This dovetails in with the above point. In fact, arguably, this should be your first consideration. Before you agree on your core objective you need to ask yourself whether it’s thematically compatible with the audience coming to listen to you speak. Will your choice of the topic be relevant – and, above all, interesting to them? Will it grab their attention? Building presentations effectively as a public speaker in this manner is extremely important.

3. How Will You Get Their Attention?

Just as with the delivery of presentations, you’ll be faced with the alarming prospect of walking into a roomful of people who’ll be expecting you to deliver something clear, powerful, and memorable. The repeated use of key phrases will help re-enforce the central theme of your speech and find common ground with your audience – a skill that’s essential to building presentations too.

What Are The Differences?

There are, in fact, very few discrepancies to be found when comparing public speaking with the delivery of presentations. The primary challenge faced when considering this transition is that of the environment: as a presenter, you’ll often be sitting down with people you know in an intimate setting where you can share your ideas openly.

A public speaker will, conversely, find themselves in larger settings and talking to their audience, with little interaction occurring until the very end when the speech is curtailed (and your efforts hopefully rewarded by a healthy round of applause). The other difference is that the public speaker will be judged on the timbre and cadence of their voice, which will be on display for a longer period of time than with the professional presenter.

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What is the difference between presentation and public speaking training?

Published on March 18, 2015

Presenting involves speaking to a specific objective, coordinating that speech with a series of images or slides that are designed to reinforce that objective, and measuring the outcome .

Public speaking is a more generalized set of spoken communication skills.

Both public speaking training and presentation training are critical skills for professionals to master. Just make sure that when you hire a trainer you know which you are getting.

Presentation training should:

1. Explain content development and content curation, 2. Discuss slide design and design principles, 3. Train participants to coordinate the spoken and visual elements of the presentation, 4. Provide a mechanism for cataloging and measuring improvement, 5. Focus on measurable outcomes.

You presentation trainer should include these elements in addition to training in these traditional public speaking skills: eye contact, gestures and body language, pace, voice projection, and responding to audience questions.

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Difference Between Presentation Skills and Public Speaking

Presentation skills and public speaking identically both are similar, but still have prominent dissimilarities. Presentation skills tell if you can represent a specific topic with beautiful speech along with correct data, people will listen to you. On the other hand, public speaking test your speaking skill, showing how you can associate with and address your audience. These two aspects need specific skill sets to attract the audience. If you want to be a public speaker or like to present your invention in your next exhibition in your organization, first learn what are these two aspects and what skills are required.

What is Presentation Skill?

When you share valuable information along with data in front of your audience, it's called Presentation. One has to develop certain qualities to present the data and discuss the report. Some people develop the skills to stand and do the presentation, and some naturally build them.

What is Public Speaking?

Public Speaking, in other words, is a brilliant way to communicate with your mass. You can educate them with your personal experience, entertain them with your body language and build a rapport so that they enjoy your every word and pay attention to what you're speaking. If you visit any University program, political rally, or religious function, you can observe how the organization's leaders hook the audience with their speech and presentation style. Public speaking is considered skill-based art; you need to be an artist to grab their attention to your words.

The Similarities Between Presentation Skills and Public Speaking

You can experience Presentation skills in an educational institute, company meetings, product launch programs, etc. when a specific message should be generated among the mass. Here, the similarities lie in its way of Presentation. People also watch your body language, way of talking, words, accents, and how you interact with your audience.

In public speaking, you need to make them sit and listen with your attractive power to catch their attention. Your audience, however, notices all your activities, words, body language, way of Presentation, and the use of words.

Therefore, both need skills to grab the audience's attention, educate them with your data, and entertain them with your speaking power. In both cases, you need in-depth knowledge so that none can challenge your information.

The Difference Between Presentation Skills and Public Speaking

Though both need a specific skill set, there's a fine line between them. Generally, presentation skills are necessary for someone working in a company, educational institution, or business owner. In these fields, you need to show the objective of the Presentation along with data (previous and current) to justify your words or establish your point of view. For example, audience members can challenge your data if you present wrong or confusing information.

On the other hand, Public speaking is different; anyone can be a public speaker if they can share something valuable with the masses. In public speaking, generally, people share their personal experiences rather than discuss data and information. For example, if you visit political rallies or religious gatherings, you will notice that the leaders share their opinions on specific topics. In public speaking, you can add your sense of humor and timing while delivering the speech, which is not expected in presentation gatherings.

Public speaking topics can be fun-filled and full of entertainment, while Presentations always address severe issues and discuss them to educate the mass. In a Presentation, light matters cannot welcome, and your body language should be professional, which you do not need in public speaking. In public speaking, you have to draw their attention and compel them to sit with your powerful speech.

In Presentation, people gather to listen to your words with pre mindset, but in public speaking, there's always an opportunity to explore something new as it's an experience-sharing exercise.

Generally, both look similar, but if you understand the value-added perspective, you can easily segregate them.

Skills Required for Presentation

As we've mentioned, the Presentation is for the professional and business world, and specific skills are also accumulated under professional guidelines. The following behavioral aspects are required to become a good presentation professional -

You should have proper knowledge about what you're going to present

Your body language should be professional

You should sound professional with proper enunciations

You should know what to share with your audience and what are the limits

You have to be ready to receive positive and negative comments from the audience

You should be prepared to handle a puzzling question from the audience

You should work on your way of talking to others during the Presentation

You've to be professional and show a professional attitude on the stage

Remember, you represent your company or Institution, so your behavior should earn respect the way people show to your company or institute

Skills Required for Public Speaking

As public speaking is another way to share a personal experience or discuss something valuable with your audience, this also needs a specific skill set. They're -

Your words should be powerful

Your body language should be friendly

Your experience must be for ordinary people so that they can resonate with you

You should sound attractive and clear

Your topic in public speaking must be worthy of discussion

You need to understand the mass and what they want to listen to

Your interaction power can create an association between you and your audience

These are the common interpersonal skills required to become a great and all-time favorite public speaker.

Things to Avoid in Presentation and Public Speaking

Though both deal with mass and interact with them directly, both need to avoid a few aspects. They're -

You should check your behavior even amid a heated argument

Avoid creating any argumentative situation during your speech

Avoid controversial issues discussed in your session

Never show disrespect to others' opinions on similar topics but respect their view as it is common to differ from each other

Don't target any individual in your speech; it can spoil your credibility, and you may lose your audience

Don't forget to greet your audience and show gratitude for attending till the end of the show

A negative attitude doesn't give you positive results, and it's applicable in both cases. So when you're dealing with mass, your temperament should be commendable, and your audience should learn something new and implement it in their life.

Bottom Line

Remember the European and Asian leaders’ speeches that electrified the world audience. They're the people with the born quality and talent to address mass and compel them to follow their words. These qualities create the difference between a commoner and a public speaker. Presentation is also an affair with the mass, but it's a bit different than public speaking. But, at the end of the show, you need to catch their pulse so that they must wait to attend your next session with enthusiasm.

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

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Module 12: Public Speaking Online

Online versus face-to-face, learning objectives.

Explain the similarities and differences in speaking to face-to-face and online audiences.

We might think speaking to a virtual audience would be easier than speaking to an audience in person. After all, many of us regularly use online tools like social media to communicate with others. And speaking online would seemingly remove the anxiety many of us feel when speaking to a live audience.

So, online should be easier than speaking in person, right? Well, maybe not. As speech communication scholar Stephen Lucas writes, “In an online speech you have to do everything you would do for an in-person speech—and more.” [1]

In this section, we’ll explore how speaking online is both similar to and different from speaking in person. We’ll get into the “and more” Lucas refers to so you can be better prepared to succeed when you give an online speech.

In many ways, a speech presented online is just like a speech presented in person. As a speaker you want to have a clear purpose (to inform, persuade, or entertain) and a focused thesis. You will want to support your thesis with well-developed main points supported by evidence. You will also want to adapt the style and delivery of your speech to your particular audience.

One of the biggest differences between speaking in person compared to speaking online is that when you speak online your audience is not right in front of you in the same room. In some online speaking situations, you may have the faces of your audience available to you, but more often than not you won’t be able to see your audience.

Not seeing your audience means you are missing the nonverbal cues that help a speaker understand whether their audience is engaged and understanding the speech or is instead disengaged or confused.

• Lucas, Stephen, and Paul Stob. “Presenting Your Speech Online.” The Art of Public Speaking . McGraw-Hill Education, 2020, pp. 356–356. ↵
• Online vs. Face-to-Face. Authored by : Mike Randolph with Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution

The Differences Between Public Speaking And Conversation

Public speaking and conversation may seem similar on the surface, but there are some key differences between the two. In public speaking, you are typically addressing a group of people who have gathered to hear you speak. In conversation, however, you are casually talking with one or more other people spontaneously.

Let’s dig deeper into the topic and explore some of the key differences between public speaking and conversation.

What Is Public Speaking?

What is conversation, delivery method, content structure, preparation, final thoughts.

Public speaking is the act of delivering a speech or presentation to an audience. It can be done formally, such as in a work setting, or informally, such as at a wedding or graduation. The goal of public speaking is to share information or persuade the audience to see your point of view.

Conversation is a spontaneous exchange of ideas between two or more people. It’s usually informal and often happens in everyday situations, such as at the grocery store or while waiting in line. The goal of conversation is typically to build relationships or to simply interact and exchange information.

Key Differences Between Public Speaking and Conversation

Now that we’ve defined each term, let’s take a look at some of the key differences between public speaking and conversation:

Off-the-cuff conversations are more typical than rehearsed speeches. Although some people can speak about a topic without any external aids, this does not mean that they are extemporaneous speaking.

In conversation, you typically have a back-and-forth exchange with the other person or people. In public speaking, however, you are typically delivering a one-way message to the audience.

Public speaking is a formal, structured type of communication, while conversation is more informal. In public speaking, the speaker usually has a specific message they want to deliver to their audience, while in conversation people typically just talk about whatever is on their mind.

Public speaking is often more structured, with a specific introduction, body, and conclusion, while conversation can be more random.

Public speaking also usually involves preparing and rehearsing what you want to say ahead of time, while conversation is more spontaneous. Although both can be used to communicate, they each have different ways of going about it.

Another key difference is the audience. When you are having a conversation, typically both people involved are on the same level and are talking to each other. However, in public speaking, there is usually a hierarchy, with the speaker being at a higher level than the audience. The audience is also usually much larger when giving a speech.

Public speaking and conversation both have their own unique purposes. While they can be used to communicate, they each serve different functions. Public speaking is usually more formal and structured, while conversation is more spontaneous and informal. It’s important to know the difference so you can use the right communication style for the situation.

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What the New Overtime Rule Means for Workers

One of the basic principles of the American workplace is that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. Simply put, every worker’s time has value. A cornerstone of that promise is the  Fair Labor Standards Act ’s (FLSA) requirement that when most workers work more than 40 hours in a week, they get paid more. The  Department of Labor ’s new overtime regulation is restoring and extending this promise for millions more lower-paid salaried workers in the U.S.

Overtime protections have been a critical part of the FLSA since 1938 and were established to protect workers from exploitation and to benefit workers, their families and our communities. Strong overtime protections help build America’s middle class and ensure that workers are not overworked and underpaid.

Some workers are specifically exempt from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime protections, including bona fide executive, administrative or professional employees. This exemption, typically referred to as the “EAP” exemption, applies when: 

1. An employee is paid a salary,  

2. The salary is not less than a minimum salary threshold amount, and 

3. The employee primarily performs executive, administrative or professional duties.

While the department increased the minimum salary required for the EAP exemption from overtime pay every 5 to 9 years between 1938 and 1975, long periods between increases to the salary requirement after 1975 have caused an erosion of the real value of the salary threshold, lessening its effectiveness in helping to identify exempt EAP employees.

The department’s new overtime rule was developed based on almost 30 listening sessions across the country and the final rule was issued after reviewing over 33,000 written comments. We heard from a wide variety of members of the public who shared valuable insights to help us develop this Administration’s overtime rule, including from workers who told us: “I would love the opportunity to...be compensated for time worked beyond 40 hours, or alternately be given a raise,” and “I make around $40,000 a year and most week[s] work well over 40 hours (likely in the 45-50 range). This rule change would benefit me greatly and ensure that my time is paid for!” and “Please, I would love to be paid for the extra hours I work!”

The department’s final rule, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024, will increase the standard salary level that helps define and delimit which salaried workers are entitled to overtime pay protections under the FLSA. 

Starting July 1, most salaried workers who earn less than $844 per week will become eligible for overtime pay under the final rule. And on Jan. 1, 2025, most salaried workers who make less than $1,128 per week will become eligible for overtime pay. As these changes occur, job duties will continue to determine overtime exemption status for most salaried employees.

The rule will also increase the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees (who are not entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA if certain requirements are met) from $107,432 per year to $132,964 per year on July 1, 2024, and then set it equal to $151,164 per year on Jan. 1, 2025.

Starting July 1, 2027, these earnings thresholds will be updated every three years so they keep pace with changes in worker salaries, ensuring that employers can adapt more easily because they’ll know when salary updates will happen and how they’ll be calculated.

The final rule will restore and extend the right to overtime pay to many salaried workers, including workers who historically were entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA because of their lower pay or the type of work they performed. 

We urge workers and employers to visit  our website to learn more about the final rule.

Jessica Looman is the administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Follow the Wage and Hour Division on Twitter at  @WHD_DOL  and  LinkedIn .  Editor's note: This blog was edited to correct a typo (changing "administrator" to "administrative.")

• Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
• Fair Labor Standards Act
• overtime rule

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