Meaning
To deliver a formal address to an audience.
Cultural Background
Public speaking is often viewed as a performance of wisdom. Speakers frequently use metaphors and classical poetry to establish credibility. In universities, 'sokhanrāni' is the standard for guest lectures. Students are expected to use very formal 'Ketābi' (bookish) Persian during these events. Friday prayers involve a specific type of 'sokhanrāni' called 'Khotbe'. These are highly structured and involve religious citations. Iranian influencers on Instagram often use 'sokhanrāni-ye angizeshi' (motivational speaking) to build their brand, blending formal and informal styles.
Use 'Irād-e Sokhanrāni' for extra points
If you want to sound like a native news anchor or a high-level academic, use 'ایراد سخنرانی کرد' instead of just 'سخنرانی کرد'.
Don't say 'Sokhanrāni dādan'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'kardan'.
Meaning
To deliver a formal address to an audience.
Use 'Irād-e Sokhanrāni' for extra points
If you want to sound like a native news anchor or a high-level academic, use 'ایراد سخنرانی کرد' instead of just 'سخنرانی کرد'.
Don't say 'Sokhanrāni dādan'
This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'kardan'.
Start with a poem
In Iran, starting a formal speech with a short poem by Saadi or Hafez immediately gains you the respect of the audience.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'سخنرانی کردن'.
رئیسجمهور فردا در سازمان ملل ________.
The word 'fardā' (tomorrow) indicates the future tense.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a professional conference?
Which one would you say?
'Sokhanrāni kardan' is the correct formal term for a conference.
Match the situation with the most likely verb.
Situations: 1. Wedding Toast, 2. Chatting with Mom, 3. Political Rally
Wedding toasts and political rallies are formal (sokhanrāni), while talking to mom is casual (harf zadan).
Complete the dialogue.
سارا: چرا اینقدر مشغولی؟ علی: دارم برای همایش فردا ________.
You 'prepare' (āmāde kardan) a speech before you 'do' (kardan) it.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesرئیسجمهور فردا در سازمان ملل ________.
The word 'fardā' (tomorrow) indicates the future tense.
Which one would you say?
'Sokhanrāni kardan' is the correct formal term for a conference.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Wedding toasts and political rallies are formal (sokhanrāni), while talking to mom is casual (harf zadan).
سارا: چرا اینقدر مشغولی؟ علی: دارم برای همایش فردا ________.
You 'prepare' (āmāde kardan) a speech before you 'do' (kardan) it.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, if it's a formal toast where everyone is quiet and listening. If it's just a quick 'Cheers!', use 'be salāmati'.
'Sokhanrāni' is the act of speaking/delivering a speech. 'Erā'e' is a 'presentation' and usually implies slides or a specific project being shown.
Only if you are talking about a formal event. 'I'm at a speech' -> 'Dar yek sokhanrāni hastam'.
Use 'سخنرانی آماده کردن' (Sokhanrāni āmāde kardan).
Related Phrases
حرف زدن
similarTo talk/speak
بیانات
specialized formFormal remarks/statements
ارائه دادن
similarTo present
سکوت کردن
contrastTo keep silent
