While "public speaking" is a more common term for the act itself, rhetoric refers to the broader art and study of effective communication, particularly in public address. It encompasses:
* The principles of effective communication: How to structure arguments, use language persuasively, and engage with an audience.
* The techniques of persuasion: Appealing to logic, emotion, and ethics to influence the listener's beliefs and actions.
* The analysis of discourse: Understanding the strategies employed by speakers to achieve their goals.
So, while you might give a speech in a public speaking event, you're actually engaging in the art of rhetoric.