showmanship

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "showmanship" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a combination of showmanship and skill in some area of activity, such as public speaking, acting, or business. For example, "The key to the CEO's success was his impressive showmanship in the boardroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bringing together a cast of three flamenco dancers, three hip-hop dancers, and three B-boys, including Chey Jurado, Spain's national champion, Titanium promises to explore the common ground between these different dance cultures, their elemental showmanship and their percussive virtuosity.

The Guardian

On popularity, he didn't seek to match the populist showmanship of his main competitor, Boris Johnson, or his former boss, William Hague.

The Guardian - Opinion

While he may be inspired by the likes of Heston Blumenthal and Ferran Adrià, Faure brings another element to the table, his sense of theatre and showmanship, as those that choose one of the tasting menus get treated to the chef himself spectacularly preparing his mystical molecular recipes in front of them.

The Guardian - Travel

But their charm and showmanship made them a pleasure to see – something not lost on Becker.

The Guardian - Music

I had thought that the subject matter would be too 'drab' for a director with such visual flair and obvious showmanship, but Stephen had spotted a potential in the script that I had been blind to.

The Guardian - Film

Founded just four years ago by Lei Jun, a digital entrepreneur known as the Chinese Steve Jobs for his showmanship and penchant for wearing jeans on stage, Xiaomi will begin exporting phones to countries including Brazil, Russia, India, Turkey and Mexico this year.

The Guardian - Tech

Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor are now grizzled, grey-haired men, but still pack the showmanship and musicianship of real rock legends, even if this does mean indulgences such as drum battles (with Taylor's son, Rufus) and guitar solos that presumably require enough electricity to power a small town.

The Guardian - Music

But instead of competing technologically, and winning, he turned to showmanship and lost.It is true, and was the basis of Edison's showmanship, that low-frequency alternating current can be more hazardous than an equivalent direct current.

The Economist

Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet, showmanship in the tech industry and Carl Icahn's rumoured investment in RIM, maker of BlackBerry.

The Economist

LAST spring, when French officials first mooted the idea of convening a Euro-Balkan summin in Zagreb, it sounded like an exercise in diplomatic showmanship that could easily backfire.

The Economist

But it was inevitable that comparisons would be drawn between Mr Cook's understated approach on stage and that of Steve Jobs, his predecessor, whose sense of showmanship had turned so many Apple product launches into quasi-religious experiences.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone who possesses "showmanship", focus on specific examples of their engaging performance or captivating presence, rather than simply stating that they have "showmanship".

Common error

While "showmanship" is widely understood, it can sometimes imply a degree of superficiality. In formal or academic writing, consider using more neutral terms like "presentational skill" or "performing talent" unless the context specifically calls for emphasizing theatrical flair.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "showmanship" is that of a noun. It denotes the quality or skill of presenting something in an engaging or compelling manner. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts like politics, entertainment and business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "showmanship" refers to the skill of presenting something in an engaging and compelling way, often implying a flair for the dramatic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in the context of news and media and encyclopedias. While generally neutral, be mindful of its potential connotations of superficiality, especially in more formal settings. Alternatives such as "stage presence" or "performing talent" may be more appropriate in those instances. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "showmanship" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stage presence

Focuses specifically on the charisma and command an individual exhibits while performing.

performing talent

Highlights the inherent skill and aptitude for entertaining.

flair for performance

Emphasizes a natural aptitude and enthusiasm for performing.

theatrical skill

Refers to abilities and techniques used effectively in a dramatic context.

dramatic flair

Focuses on the flamboyant and expressive qualities of a presentation.

presentational skill

Highlights the ability to deliver information or a performance effectively.

art of presentation

Emphasizes that skilled presentation is an art form.

performing artistry

Focuses on the creative and skillful execution of a performance.

ability to captivate

Highlights the power to charm and engage an audience.

theatrics

Refers to exaggerated and dramatic behavior or presentation.

FAQs

How can I use "showmanship" in a sentence?

You can use "showmanship" to describe someone's ability to present themselves or their work in an engaging and captivating manner. For example, "The key to his success was his impressive "showmanship"."

What are some alternatives to "showmanship"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "stage presence", "performing talent", or "flair for performance".

Is "showmanship" a positive or negative trait?

The connotation of "showmanship" can vary. While it often implies an engaging and captivating presentation style, it can sometimes suggest superficiality or exaggeration. Context is key to determining whether it's perceived positively or negatively.

How does "showmanship" differ from simply being skilled?

"Showmanship" involves not only skill but also the art of presenting that skill in a captivating and engaging way. It's about performance and presentation, not just competence.