Public Speaking Is...

Written by Jake L. Thomas

Posted on August 24, 2025

Have you ever held an idea you are so passionate about, so urgent, that it feels like it might burst out of you—yet the thought of sharing it in front of a crowd makes you freeze with fear?

This fear of public speaking is a common experience for many. In fact, studies often rank it as a more common fear than even death. But is public speaking really meant to be feared by all of us?

For years, I indeed viewed it that way, seeing it as a formal, intimidating performance—a skill reserved for the charismatic and the confident. On the other hand, many have used it as a tool for manipulation, deceit, or selfish validation. This misuse has led to the paralyzing fear and the cynical misuse—the true, noble purpose of public speaking is often misunderstood and forgotten.

But after spending a significant amount of time studying how this art was used throughout human civilization, I was overwhelmed and fascinated. For over 2,400 years, this influential art has stood for the same noble purpose.

Join me as we journey through history, from ancient Greece to the modern digital age, to unearth the original meaning and purpose of this influential art. We will reveal its true definition, grounded in these historical stories, and share why understanding and holding on to that definition matters today more than ever.

A speaker’s task is not to perform for an audience, but to serve them.

Public Speaking as Democracy's Cornerstone: Ancient Greece (5th Century BCE - 320 BCE)

Public speaking, or oratory, in ancient Greece was a cornerstone of Athenian democracy and culture from the 5th century BCE onward. It wasn't just about eloquence; it was a crucial civic skill that enabled citizens to actively participate in democratic processes, influence judicial outcomes, and exercise political power. As Athens transitioned into a democracy, success in these arenas depended on the ability to speak persuasively. This elevated rhetoric from a mere communication skill into a civic necessity, shaping the very foundation of democratic governance.

Education in rhetoric became widespread, with sophists and philosophers such as Aristotle and Isocrates developing systematic approaches to the art of persuasion. This training was central to a young Athenian’s upbringing, with rhetorical skills marking the difference between political influence and marginality.

The political climate under leaders like Pericles further underscored oratory’s significance. His Funeral Oration in 431 BCE, immortalized by the historian Thucydides, stands as a prime example of how rhetoric was used to inspire collective identity and justify civic values.

Demosthenes, one of the most renowned Greek orators, is the epitome of the art. His 4th-century BCE speeches against Philip of Macedon are celebrated for their passionate defense of Athenian independence and strategic appeals to the citizenry.

Public speaking in ancient Athens was the cornerstone of civic life, an intricate discipline that wove together education, politics, law, and ethics. It was a skill that empowered citizens to participate directly in their democracy, debate public policy, and influence legal decisions.

For a leader, mastery of oratory was not merely a talent but a powerful tool that distinguished them and legitimized their authority. This tradition of reasoned discourse and civic engagement left an indelible mark, establishing the foundational principles of rhetoric and democratic deliberation that continue to shape Western civilization.

Public Speaking in the Roman Empire (27 BCE–476 CE)

In ancient Roman society, public speaking was the backbone of civic life and a primary vehicle for achieving political power and social status. Heavily influenced by Greek traditions, the Romans adapted the art of persuasion to fit the pragmatic demands of their legal and political systems. The education of a young Roman aristocrat centered on mastering the five canons of rhetoric: invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery.

Cicero and the Confrontation with Catiline

One of the most famous examples of this was Cicero’s confrontation with Catiline in 63 BC. Cicero, as consul, exposed a conspiracy to overthrow the Republic in a series of four impassioned speeches. The first oration, delivered with Catiline himself present, began with the famous line: "Quo usque tandem abutere, Catilina, patientia nostra?" (How long, pray, will you abuse our patience, Catiline?)Cicero's words were so precise and indignant that Catiline, unable to endure the public condemnation, fled Rome. This moment cemented Cicero's reputation as a great orator and "savior of the Republic." Because of his speech, he prevented a conspiracy and saved the Republic of Rome.

Mark Antony's Funeral Oration

Perhaps no moment better illustrates the power of rhetoric to reverse a political situation than Mark Antony's funeral oration for Julius Caesar. After Caesar's assassination, Antony delivered a masterful performance. He spoke with seeming deference to the assassins but then shifted his tone, reading Caesar's will and dramatically lifting Caesar's bloody toga to point out the stab wounds.

Antony's words, filled with sorrow and righteous indignation, transformed a grieving crowd into a furious mob, driving the conspirators from the city and igniting a civil war. This single speech changed the course of Roman history and underscored the timeless truth that an orator's voice could be the most powerful weapon of all.

Julius Caesar's Style

While Cicero was celebrated for his grand rhetoric, Julius Caesar's public speaking was distinguished by a different, yet equally potent, style. He favored a direct and forceful approach that appealed to logic and reason. This elegant, simple style was so effective that the rhetorician Quintilian considered him the only serious rival to Cicero's brilliance. Caesar's ability to command loyalty and motivate his soldiers through his speeches enabled him to achieve remarkable victories and ultimately seize power in Rome.

Public Speaking in the Medieval Era (c. 500–1500 CE)

After the fall of the Roman Empire, public speaking's focus evolved to fit the medieval world. Formal oratory became aligned mainly with the Christian Church. Many early medieval Christians were suspicious of classical rhetoric, but church leaders eventually adapted its principles for holy purposes.

St. Augustine of Hippo , a former professor of rhetoric, was instrumental in this adaptation. He argued that persuasive speaking could and should be used to explain scripture and spread the Christian message. Under his influence, preaching emerged as the dominant form of public speaking.

Medieval orators were chiefly churchmen rather than politicians. Their persuasive speech was used to defend orthodox doctrine and inspire the faithful. Notably, ecclesiastical oratory could move entire populations to action. For example, while it’s not Biblical, Pope Urban II’s famous call for the First Crusade in 1095 rallied thousands to "take up the cross" and embark on a holy war. Similarly, St. Bernard of Clairvaux inspired crowds to join the Second Crusade.

Public speaking in the medieval era was chiefly defined by religious discourse. It helped unify communities under shared beliefs and often stirred people to significant collective action under the Church’s leadership.

Public Speaking in the Industrial Revolution Era (c. 1760–1900)

The Industrial Revolution (late 18th through 19th centuries) brought rapid social and political changes, and with it a revival of public speaking in civic life. As democratic ideals spread, political oratory gained tremendous energy.

In Britain, the late 1700s saw a golden age of parliamentary debate, with brilliant speakers like William Wilberforce using passionate speeches to advocate for reforms. Wilberforce is a major key player in abolishing the slave trade throughout the British Empire. By the 19th century, leaders like William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli took their messages directly to the public in mass meetings, reflecting a shift toward a more populist style of speaking.

The style itself evolved, as the flowery, classical rhetoric gave way to plainer language and a more spontaneous delivery better suited to the "common man." In the United States, famous debates like the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 showcased statesmen such as Abraham Lincoln, whose speeches combined logical argument with powerful emotional appeal.

Equally significant, the era witnessed public speaking being harnessed as a tool for social reform movements. Abolition was advanced by powerful orators on both sides of the Atlantic. In the U.S., formerly enslaved activist Frederick Douglass became a leading voice of abolition with gripping lectures on the horrors of slavery. His 1852 address, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”, is cited as one of the greatest anti-slavery orations ever given.

The campaign for women’s suffrage also relied heavily on public speaking, with suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Emmeline Pankhurst organizing lectures and rallies to demand voting rights.

Public speaking during the Industrial Revolution era was a driving force for change, spurring collective action and spreading new ideas in an age of revolution and reform.

Public Speaking in the Civil Rights Era (c. 1954–1968)

In the mid-20th century, the advent of radio and television expanded the reach of public speakers, but the essence of effective public speaking remained the same—to inspire and drive social change. This was powerfully demonstrated during the Civil Rights Movement by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr.

A Baptist minister, King honed a style that combined moral conviction, evocative imagery, and rhythmic cadence. His most famous address—the "I Have a Dream" speech delivered during the March on Washington in August 1963—showcased the immense power of oratory. Speaking to a crowd of over 200,000 and to millions more on television, King's soaring, hopeful refrain moved listeners to tears and applause. "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

"The impact was immediate and far-reaching: King’s speech influenced the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as it pressured political leaders and swayed public opinion toward dismantling segregation. King’s legacy attests to the enduring impact of public speaking: his words not only helped achieve concrete reforms but continue to inspire future generations.

Public Speaking in the Digital Age (late 20th century–present)

The traditional stage has been replaced by a network of diverse digital platforms. What began with televised debates has now decentralized into new forms of oratory. Platforms like TED Talks have elevated storytelling and "ideas worth spreading" to a global phenomenon, providing a polished and powerful model for concise, impactful presentations. Beyond entertainment, these forums inspire discussions on critical societal issues and showcase innovative solutions that can improve lives on a global scale.

This evolution continued with the rise of podcasts and video blogs (vlogs), which further democratized the spoken word. These platforms allow experts, activists, and ordinary people to build their own audiences and share perspectives without needing the endorsement of a traditional institution. The result is a new kind of public forum where dialogue is direct, dedicated, and deeply engaging, all of which serve to inform and connect with a devloted audience.

While public speaking has evolved through technology, its purpose has not changed. The digital transformation has also fundamentally altered the style of public speaking to better achieve this purpose. Today's most effective speakers prioritize authenticity and direct connection. The intimate nature of a podcast or a live stream favors a conversational, genuine tone over formal grandeur, allowing speakers to build trust and rapport with their audience—a modern way of serving the masses with sincerity.

Ultimately, social media platforms have made everyone a potential public speaker. Millions can now see a short video or a live broadcast, and this new landscape of communication prioritizes direct engagement over one-way monologues. This has created a global conversation where anyone can have a voice in shaping our world, reinforcing that the purpose of public speaking remains to inform, inspire, and engage for the common good.

What Is Public Speaking?

Beyond the fleeting spectacle of applause and personal ambition, public speaking holds a more profound purpose: it is a sacred trust and a noble form of public service.

A look into history reveals that the spoken word has always been the crucible of change. From the ancient Greek agora, where citizens debated the very fate of their city, to the modern digital assembly, where a single voice can challenge injustice, public speaking has been the instrument through which we forge community, articulate collective values, and move from thought to action.

The true purpose of this art is not to impress, but to empower. A speaker’s task is not to perform for an audience, but to serve them. They are the architects of ideas, tasked with giving voice to the voiceless, illuminating complex truths, and inspiring people to build a better world. It is a profound act of leadership. When we use our voice for the common good—to defend the vulnerable, to advocate for justice, or to unify a divided community—we elevate the act from simple communication to a powerful force for progress. It is in this service that we find the enduring power of public speaking, demonstrating its capacity to shape not just conversations but the very course of human history.

When we believe that public speaking is a sacred trust and a noble form of public service, we no longer speak to impress—we speak to serve.

Application of the True Meaning of Public Speaking

Upholding that Public Speaking is a sacred trust and a noble form of public service, and rooting our speech and presentation in it, is not just a punchline. It’s a truth, and it has the power to transform us and lead us to always speak with confidence, clarity, and impact.

Here’s how this truth can transform us:

1. Believing this idea will help us overcome nervousness.

There are many ways suggested online on how to overcome nervousness, and most of them are centered around self-image. But I can tell you this: anxieties lose their grip the moment service overtakes self-consciousness. I once saw a colleague so attached to her laptop while presenting, trembling with every slide, but she transformed the whole presentation by simply lifting her gaze from the screen to the audience. The shaking slowed, her voice steadied, and the room leaned in. Why? Because her words were meant for them, not for her fear.

If we step on stage so conscious about our vocals and physical image, that’s where we open our doors for nervousness to cripple us. Thoughts like, “OMG, what are they thinking about me?” “Did that audience roll her eyes?” “Now they are on their phone and no longer interested in me…” — we start to think about our audience as judges, and we make ourselves performers. The best way to overcome nervousness is to think outside ourselves—shifting our attention from self-image to audience needs. That happens by having a service mindset as a speaker and not a performer, and it starts with upholding that Public Speaking is a sacred trust and a noble form of public service. Mindset matters. The mind influences the heart, and whatever is rich in a person’s heart, they speak; and their actions follow. You cannot have positive outcomes as a speaker with an uncertain outlook as to why you’re on that stage.

2. Believing this idea will help us speak with authenticity and conviction.

Many speakers today wrestle with how to sound authentic, how to look natural, and how to speak with passion and conviction without forcing it. Some try hard to mimic genuineness, others strain to appear passionate, and in the end, the result is awkwardness and even cringe reactions from the audience. Why? Because authenticity and conviction do not come from techniques or frameworks alone. They flow from purpose. When we believe that public speaking is a sacred trust and a noble form of public service, we no longer speak to impress—we speak to serve. Service becomes the wellspring of passion. Joy fills us because our end goal is clear: to give something of value, to help someone rise from being a zero to a hero. That joy is contagious. Conviction ceases to be a performance act—it becomes the natural outflow of a servant’s heart.

3. Believing this idea will help us achieve clarity and connection.

Another struggle speakers face is losing their audience in a maze of words. They may have the best intentions, yet their message gets muddled, and the audience feels disconnected. But when we hold to the truth that speaking is service, clarity becomes essential—not for our pride, but for their good. We stop overloading with jargon, stop chasing applause, and instead speak with simplicity, precision, and warmth. Because we are not trying to prove ourselves—we are trying to reach them. And that shift—from self-expression to audience connection—creates real impact. The sacredness of speaking as service demands clarity, and clarity always builds connection.

4. Believing this idea will make public speaking joyful.

At the end of the day, speaking should not be a burden. Yet for many, stepping on stage feels heavy, pressured, and exhausting. But when we believe that public speaking is a sacred trust and a noble form of public service, the weight is lifted. Over time, as this mindset becomes second nature, public speaking ceases to drain us and begins to energize us. It becomes joy—not because every moment is easy, but because service itself is joyful. Serving others with your words, seeing their faces light up with understanding, sensing that you’ve made even the smallest difference—this fills the speaker with energy instead of emptying them. Public speaking stops being a task to survive, and becomes a gift to give. The stage ceases to be a battlefield and becomes a place of celebration, because every word spoken in service is joy released.

Public Speaking Is...

Public speaking isn’t a performance; it’s a responsibility; it's an act of public service. The voices we remember—from the agora to today—served people, not ego. When you stand up to speak, ask: Who needs help? What truth needs light? What action should follow? Prepare well, speak plainly, and listen closely. Judge success by clarity, courage, and changed behavior—not applause. When fear rises, turn outward. Let service quiet your nerves, purpose sharpen your words, and humility steady your delivery. Use your platform to lift others, fix what’s broken, and move ideas into deeds. That’s the work. That’s the joy. That's public speaking!

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Jake L. Thomas

A social worker by profession, Jake leads the provision of technical assistance to social workers and Social Welfare and Development (SWD) professionals in Local Government Units, under one of the country’s premier SWD agencies. He is the founder of JLTHOMASPRO Training & Development Services. This platform delivers coaching, consultation, and capacity-building programs tailored for social workers, while also offering AI-powered and no-code web development solutions for offices and mission-driven businesses. Jake is the author of the upcoming book, Speak to Influence: 12 Communication Strategies to Inspire and Lead Every Audience—a practical guide designed to help SWD professionals communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.