1.
art of conversation; speaking skill; eloquence; gift of gab
The skill or technique of engaging people through speech, encompassing storytelling, persuasion, and the ability to hold an audience's attention in conversation.
彼は話術に長けている。
He is skilled in the art of conversation.
巧みな話術で聴衆を引きつけた。
He captivated the audience with skillful speaking.
あの営業担当は話術が上手で、どんな相手でもすぐに打ち解けてしまう。
That salesperson is so good at conversation that they can quickly break the ice with anyone.
Refers to the technique or skill of engaging people through speech — not just public speaking but the broader ability to hold and direct conversation effectively. Combines 話 (talk, story) and 術 (technique, art).
USAGE:
- Covers a range of speaking abilities: storytelling, persuasion, entertainment, negotiation
- Often used to praise someone who can hold an audience's attention or smoothly navigate conversations
- Can also refer to the traditional Japanese art of 話芸 (spoken performance arts like rakugo)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 話術に長ける: to be skilled in conversation
- 話術が上手: good at speaking
- 巧みな話術: skillful eloquence
- 話術を磨く: to polish one's speaking skills
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 弁舌: eloquence, oratory — more formal, focuses on persuasive speaking
- 話芸: spoken performance art — specifically traditional Japanese storytelling arts
- トーク力: talking ability — the loanword-based casual equivalent
- 雄弁: eloquence — more about powerful, persuasive rhetoric