private speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "private speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a conversation or discussion that is intended to be confidential or not shared with others. Example: "During the meeting, we had some private speaking about the upcoming project to ensure that sensitive information remained confidential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Perhaps this is exactly how it was - Richard may simply have let things take its course, trusted in providence and known that he didn't have the skills for public speaking or even private speaking about the implications of his stand.

The Guardian - Film

It and the private speaking fees at large corporations are, indeed, legitimate concerns.

The Guardian - Film

The real point, he wrote, wasn't that Huddleston had missed too many votes, but that he had put his private speaking engagements ahead of his Senate responsibilities.

The New Yorker

Hitchens loved what he called "disputation" – there was little difference between his public and private speaking styles – and America, a more oral culture than Britain's, offered ample opportunity.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Giuliani's book, "Leadership" (Miramax/Hyperion), started at No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list last month and stayed there until last week, when it dropped to No. 2. And Mr. Giuliani is still in heavy demand for private speaking engagements, reportedly being paid about $100,000 a speech.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Bewkes, who is known for his direct manner in private, spoke in very general terms in describing the handoff from Mr. Parsons.

The New York Times

One private speaks for many when he tells how men became so firmly embedded in the cement of mateship that going home on leave could prove strangely uncomfortable: I wanter get back from the motors, An' miners with strikes on the brain, I'm too muddled to think, an' I shan't sleep a wink, Till I'm safe back in Flanders again.

The Guardian - Books

Using its qualitative techniques, LASDEL collects the private speak and transmits it to the public sphere through its analyses (cf. Ridde & Olivier de Sardan, in this issue).

BMC Health Services Research

Anthropologists collect the private speak and transmit it to the public sphere through their analyses in order to provide a serious account of a reality, and creating the conditions for an expert debate and a public debate.

BMC Health Services Research

-- "Suffragette" star Carey Mulligan insists on keeping her private life private but speaks out clearly on her roles.

Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, a private voice — speaking in that tone of wry resignation so common to inner voices prohibited from public utterance — is reasonably asking, "Hey, hold on a minute, what if I hate it?" The stage is all set for poignancy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "private speaking", ensure the context clearly indicates the confidentiality or non-public nature of the conversation. This helps avoid ambiguity and emphasizes the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "private speaking" excessively in formal documents. More precise alternatives like "confidential discussion" or "off-the-record remarks" might be more appropriate in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "private speaking" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'private' modifies 'speaking' to denote its confidential or non-public nature. Ludwig AI shows usage in diverse contexts, confirming its role in describing the manner of communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "private speaking" is a grammatically correct adjective-noun combination used to describe conversations or discussions intended to be confidential or non-public. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, suggesting it's a valid way to describe discreet communications. While not extremely frequent, with an "uncommon" presence, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge sources. For more formal or academic settings, alternatives such as "confidential discussion" or "off-the-record remarks" may be more suitable. Understanding its nuances and context helps ensure clear and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confidential discussion

Emphasizes the confidential nature of the conversation.

private conversation

Highlights the personal and intimate nature of the exchange.

off-the-record remarks

Focuses on the non-public aspect of the statements made.

secret communication

Underscores the secrecy and exclusivity of the exchange.

personal address

Highlights the direct and individual nature of the speech.

intimate dialogue

Stresses the closeness and familiarity of the interaction.

one-on-one discussion

Highlights the setting is two people speaking together.

private address

Highlights that the address is in private.

private discourse

Emphasizes the formal and structured nature of the private conversation.

closed-door meeting

Focuses on the exclusivity of the meeting.

FAQs

What does "private speaking" mean?

"Private speaking" refers to conversations or discussions intended to be confidential or not shared publicly. It often implies a level of intimacy or sensitivity in the topic being discussed.

How can I use "private speaking" in a sentence?

You might say, "The CEO engaged in some "private speaking" with the board members before the official announcement," indicating a confidential discussion took place.

What are some alternatives to "private speaking"?

Consider using phrases like "confidential discussion", "private conversation", or "off-the-record remarks" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "private speaking" formal or informal?

While usable in various contexts, "private speaking" leans towards a more neutral to informal tone. In highly formal settings, a more precise term like "confidential communication" or "closed-door meeting" may be preferable.