The Speak Sense
Dictionary

Simple definitionThe repetition of the same opening sound in nearby words.

Speak Sense definitionA little sound pattern that makes a line linger.

In practice‘Clear, confident communication’ repeats the hard c sound.

Simple definitionA comparison used to explain an unfamiliar idea through a familiar one.

Speak Sense definitionA bridge from ‘What?’ to ‘Oh, I see.’

Simple definitionA short, relevant story used to illustrate a point.

Speak Sense definitionEvidence wearing a human face.

In practiceOpen a talk on resilience with one specific moment when a plan failed.

Simple definitionA rhetorical structure that places contrasting ideas side by side.

Speak Sense definitionTwo opposites sharing one sharp sentence.

In practice‘We need fewer promises and more progress.’

Simple definitionThe clear formation and pronunciation of speech sounds.

Speak Sense definitionHelping every syllable arrive with its shoes tied.

Simple definitionAdjusting a message to suit the audience’s knowledge, needs and expectations.

Speak Sense definitionSame idea. Different room. Better fit.

Simple definitionLearning who your listeners are before deciding what and how to speak.

Speak Sense definitionReading the room before the room reads you.

Simple definitionTechniques that hold attention and involve listeners in the message.

Speak Sense definitionTurning people from seat-fillers into participants.

Simple definitionThe nonverbal messages communicated through posture, movement, expression and gesture.

Speak Sense definitionEverything your body says while your mouth is busy.

Simple definitionThe controlled use of breath to support voice, pace and calm.

Speak Sense definitionThe speaking tool you already own and occasionally forget to use.

Simple definitionA technique for moving from a question or topic to the key message you need to address.

Speak Sense definitionAnswer the question, then steer the conversation somewhere useful.

Simple definitionA clear statement telling the audience what to do next.

Speak Sense definitionThe point where a good idea gets a pair of shoes.

Simple definitionThe rhythm and flow created by patterns of sound, stress and pause.

Speak Sense definitionThe musical shape of a sentence, minus the singing.

Simple definitionBreaking complex information into smaller, meaningful groups.

Speak Sense definitionGiving the audience ideas in bites they can actually chew.

Simple definitionThe quality of making a message easy to understand.

Speak Sense definitionWhen the audience gets your point without assembling it themselves.

Simple definitionThe final part of a speech that reinforces the message and creates a clear ending.

Speak Sense definitionNot ‘So, yeah… that’s it.’ An ending that knows it is an ending.

Simple definitionExpressing an idea fully with no unnecessary words.

Speak Sense definitionSay enough. Then stop.

Simple definitionA speaker’s belief in their ability to communicate effectively.

Speak Sense definitionNot the absence of nerves—the decision to speak anyway.

Simple definitionA natural speaking style that feels direct, clear and human.

Speak Sense definitionPrepared enough to be useful. Relaxed enough to sound alive.

Simple definitionPlacing different ideas, images or outcomes together to make a distinction clear.

Speak Sense definitionShowing the gap so the point stands out.

Simple definitionThe audience’s perception that a speaker is trustworthy and knowledgeable.

Speak Sense definitionWhy people believe the message before they repeat it.

Simple definitionA structured exchange in which opposing positions are argued and examined.

Speak Sense definitionDisagreement with a clock, rules and—ideally—listening.

Simple definitionThe way a speech is presented through voice, pace, expression and movement.

Speak Sense definitionThe difference between having a point and making it land.

Simple definitionThe choice and pronunciation of words in speech.

Speak Sense definitionChoosing words that fit the thought—and saying them so they survive the journey.

Simple definitionA break in smooth speech, such as repetition, hesitation or a filler sound.

Speak Sense definitionA small verbal speed bump. Usually less dramatic than it feels.

Simple definitionA brief, persuasive explanation of an idea, role or venture.

Speak Sense definitionYour big idea before the imaginary lift reaches its floor.

Simple definitionExtra vocal or verbal weight placed on an important word or idea.

Speak Sense definitionA spotlight for the part you do not want missed.

Simple definitionPersuasion based on the speaker’s credibility, character or authority.

Speak Sense definitionTrust doing some of the talking.

Simple definitionThe ability to communicate with composure, clarity and credibility in leadership settings.

Speak Sense definitionCalm authority—without borrowing someone else’s personality.

Simple definitionSpeaking from preparation and brief notes rather than a fully written script.

Speak Sense definitionPlanned thinking with room to sound human.

Simple definitionLooking at listeners to build connection and monitor their response.

Speak Sense definitionLooking at your audience without making them wonder whether you’re staring at them.

Simple definitionThe use of the face to communicate emotion, attitude and response.

Speak Sense definitionThe subtitle track your face provides for free.

Simple definitionSpecific information about what worked and what could improve in a performance.

Speak Sense definitionA mirror with useful notes in the margin.

Simple definitionA word or sound used to fill a pause while thinking, such as ‘um’, ‘like’ or ‘basically’.

Speak Sense definitionThe ‘umm’, ‘basically’, ‘like’ and ‘you know’ that appear while your brain is still loading the next sentence.

Simple definitionThe smooth, logical movement from one idea to the next.

Speak Sense definitionWhen nobody can see the joins.

Simple definitionA purposeful movement of the hands or body that supports meaning.

Speak Sense definitionPunctuation you can see.

Simple definitionA technique for becoming physically steady and mentally present before or during speaking.

Speak Sense definitionFeet on the floor. Mind in the room.

Simple definitionAn opening device designed to capture attention quickly.

Speak Sense definitionThe reason people look up before you reach slide two.

Simple definitionThe use of amusement or wit to build connection, ease tension or support a point.

Speak Sense definitionA door into the message—not the whole building.

Simple definitionSpeaking with little or no advance preparation.

Speak Sense definitionSpeaking without preparation and making it look like you planned it that way.

Simple definitionA change in vocal pitch that adds meaning, emotion or emphasis.

Speak Sense definitionThe rise and fall that keeps a sentence from lying flat.

Simple definitionThe opening section that establishes the topic, purpose and direction of a speech.

Speak Sense definitionA proper welcome for the idea you are about to bring into the room.

Simple definitionThe ability to respond to disruptions without losing composure or direction.

Speak Sense definitionPause, respond, return. No wrestling match required.

Simple definitionSpecialised language used by a particular profession or group.

Speak Sense definitionUseful shorthand for insiders. A locked door for everyone else.

Simple definitionThe central idea the audience should understand and remember.

Speak Sense definitionIf they remember one thing, make sure it is this.

Simple definitionA featured speech that sets a central theme or perspective for an event.

Speak Sense definitionThe talk expected to open a bigger conversation.

Simple definitionCommunication that gives direction, builds trust and helps people act with shared understanding.

Speak Sense definitionMaking the path clear without shouting from the front.

Simple definitionGiving focused attention to understand another person’s words, meaning and intent.

Speak Sense definitionThe communication skill that happens while you are not speaking.

Simple definitionPersuasion through logic, evidence and clear reasoning.

Speak Sense definitionThe part of your argument that can show its working.

Simple definitionA visual structure that organises one core message and its supporting points.

Speak Sense definitionA route plan for the idea—before it takes an unexpected detour.

Simple definitionA figure of speech that describes one thing as another to create meaning or imagery.

Speak Sense definitionA shortcut from explanation to imagination.

Simple definitionIntentional variation in pitch, pace, volume and tone.

Speak Sense definitionGiving your voice more than one setting.

Simple definitionSpeech delivered with little variation in pitch or expression.

Speak Sense definitionWhen every sentence arrives wearing the same grey suit.

Simple definitionA connected account of events shaped into a meaningful sequence.

Speak Sense definitionFacts with direction, consequence and a reason to keep listening.

Simple definitionMeaning conveyed without words through expression, posture, movement, space and voice qualities.

Speak Sense definitionThe message travelling beside the message.

Simple definitionSmall prompts used to support a speaker without scripting every word.

Speak Sense definitionHelpful road signs—not a novel in tiny handwriting.

Simple definitionThe specific result a speaker wants a presentation to achieve.

Speak Sense definitionWhat should be different when you finish talking?

Simple definitionThe first moments of a speech, used to gain attention and establish direction.

Speak Sense definitionYour first chance to make listening feel worthwhile.

Simple definitionA planned sequence of main ideas and supporting points.

Speak Sense definitionThe skeleton that stops a speech becoming a puddle.

Simple definitionThe speed at which someone speaks.

Speak Sense definitionFast enough to move. Slow enough to arrive.

Simple definitionUsing matching grammatical structures to give ideas rhythm and balance.

Speak Sense definitionDifferent thoughts marching in the same formation.

Simple definitionPersuasion that appeals to emotion and shared human experience.

Speak Sense definitionThe reason an argument is felt, not only understood.

Simple definitionA deliberate moment of silence within a speech.

Speak Sense definitionA little silence that can sometimes say a lot.

Simple definitionCommunication intended to influence beliefs, attitudes or actions.

Speak Sense definitionHelping someone see the path—and want to take it.

Simple definitionThe highness or lowness of the voice, or a concise persuasive presentation of an idea.

Speak Sense definitionContext matters: your voice can have one, and your business can too.

Simple definitionThe combined skills used to plan, structure and deliver information effectively to an audience.

Speak Sense definitionMaking the slides, words and person at the front work as one team.

Simple definitionUsing breath and resonance so the voice carries clearly without strain.

Speak Sense definitionReaching the back row without starting a shouting contest.

Simple definitionThe act of delivering a structured message to an audience.

Speak Sense definitionOne person, one message and a room full of reasons to make it clear.

Simple definitionA session in which audience members ask questions and the speaker responds.

Speak Sense definitionThe part where the presentation begins talking back.

Simple definitionUsing questions to gather information, guide thought or involve an audience.

Speak Sense definitionA well-placed question can do more work than another explanation.

Simple definitionA concise, memorable sentence designed to capture a key idea.

Speak Sense definitionA thought with handles, ready to be carried away.

Simple definitionA sense of trust, ease and connection between speaker and audience.

Speak Sense definitionWhen the room starts feeling like a conversation.

Simple definitionA reasoned response that challenges an opposing argument or evidence.

Speak Sense definitionDisagreeing with the point, not declaring war on the person.

Simple definitionPractising a speech to improve content, timing and delivery.

Speak Sense definitionWhere the awkward bits introduce themselves before the audience does.

Simple definitionRepeating a word, phrase or idea to reinforce meaning and memory.

Speak Sense definitionSay it again—when saying it again earns its place.

Simple definitionThe richness and carrying quality created as sound vibrates through the vocal tract.

Speak Sense definitionThe part of voice that makes it feel full rather than forced.

Simple definitionA question asked to provoke thought rather than obtain a spoken answer.

Speak Sense definitionA question that already knows why it came.

Simple definitionWords or phrases that show where a speech is going and how ideas connect.

Speak Sense definition‘First’, ‘next’ and ‘finally’: tiny signs that keep listeners from getting lost.

Simple definitionThe intentional absence of speech used for emphasis, thought or emotional space.

Speak Sense definitionNot empty. Just doing quieter work.

Simple definitionA brief, memorable statement that expresses a larger idea clearly.

Speak Sense definitionA message built to survive outside the speech.

Simple definitionNervousness or fear experienced before or during public speaking.

Speak Sense definitionYour body preparing for danger when the danger is mostly a microphone.

Simple definitionThe organised arrangement of an opening, main ideas, transitions and closing.

Speak Sense definitionGiving every idea a place—and preventing three endings.

Simple definitionThe ability to hold attention through composure, energy, movement and connection.

Speak Sense definitionBeing fully in the room before asking the room to be with you.

Simple definitionUsing characters, events and change to communicate an idea through story.

Speak Sense definitionMeaning with a beginning, a turn and somewhere to land.

Simple definitionExtra vocal emphasis placed on a syllable, word or phrase.

Speak Sense definitionChanging which word matters can change what the sentence means.

Simple definitionRestating the essential points in a shorter, clearer form.

Speak Sense definitionThe speech, packed for the journey home.

Simple definitionThe overall rhythmic speed and movement of delivery.

Speak Sense definitionThe pace with a pulse.

Simple definitionThe main claim or controlling idea of a speech.

Speak Sense definitionThe sentence every other sentence should be working for.

Simple definitionManaging duration, pauses and the placement of key moments in a speech.

Speak Sense definitionKnowing when to speak, when to stop and when five minutes really means five.

Simple definitionThe attitude or emotional quality communicated through words and voice.

Speak Sense definitionHow the message feels while it is being heard.

Simple definitionA phrase, sentence or device that connects one section or idea to the next.

Speak Sense definitionA doorway between thoughts—not a trapdoor.

Simple definitionA group of three parallel words, phrases or ideas used for rhythm and emphasis.

Speak Sense definitionThree has a way of sounding complete, confident and memorable.

Simple definitionVariation in pitch, pace, volume, tone and pause to sustain meaning and interest.

Speak Sense definitionThe cure for reading every sentence on the same shelf.

Simple definitionThe sound produced for speech and the distinctive style through which a person communicates.

Speak Sense definitionYour instrument and your point of view, sharing one word.

Simple definitionThe perceived loudness or softness of the voice.

Speak Sense definitionEnough sound to reach people. Not enough to rearrange the furniture.

Simple definitionExercises that prepare the voice, body and attention before speaking.

Speak Sense definitionA few minutes that tell your voice the meeting has started.

Simple definitionSelecting words that suit the meaning, audience and occasion.

Speak Sense definitionThe difference between a sentence that merely arrives and one that lands.

Simple definitionAn informal term for a distinctive quality that makes a speaker compelling or memorable.

Speak Sense definitionHard to name, impossible to borrow, usually rooted in being genuinely yourself.

Simple definitionAn improvisation principle that accepts what has been offered and adds to it.

Speak Sense definitionA way to keep an idea moving instead of closing the door with ‘but’.

Simple definitionA presentation delivered through a video-conferencing platform to a remote audience.

Speak Sense definitionPublic speaking, now with mute buttons, tiny rectangles and a camera at eye level.