oration

noun

1. a formal public speech, especially one delivered on a special occasion, as on an anniversary, at a funeral, or at academic exercises.
2. a public speech characterized by a studied or elevated style, diction, or delivery.

noun

1. a formal public declaration or speech
2. any rhetorical, lengthy, or pompous speech
3. an academic exercise or contest in public speaking

n.late 14c., “prayer,” from Late Latin orationem (nominative oratio) “a speaking, speech, discourse; language, faculty of speech, mode of expressing; prayer,” noun of action from past participle stem of Latin orare “to pray, plead, speak before an assembly” (see orator). Meaning “formal speech, discourse” first recorded c.1500.