In public speaking, which term best describes the credibility a speaker has before presenting?

The term that best describes the credibility a speaker possesses before presenting is Initial Credibility. This concept refers to the audience's perception of the speaker's credibility prior to the presentation, which can be influenced by various factors such as the speaker's background, experience, reputation, and the context in which they are speaking. Initial credibility is crucial because it sets the tone for how the audience will receive and interpret the speaker's message.

Having strong initial credibility can enhance the effectiveness of a speech, as the audience may be more inclined to accept the speaker's ideas and arguments if they already view them as knowledgeable and trustworthy. In contrast, derived credibility refers to credibility gained during the presentation through effective communication, evidence, and engaging delivery, while terminal credibility pertains to the lasting impression of credibility after the speech concludes. Static credibility, while sometimes mentioned, is not a recognized term in the study of public speaking.