spokesperson
B2Formal, Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A person who speaks on behalf of a group or organization.
An official representative authorized to communicate the views, policies, or information of a company, government, political party, or other entity to the public and media.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is gender-neutral, replacing older gendered terms like 'spokesman' or 'spokeswoman'. It emphasizes the role of communication rather than personal opinion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. The term is standard and preferred in all formal contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and professional. Implies an official, authorized role.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written and formal spoken contexts than in casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
spokesperson for [ORGANIZATION]spokesperson said that...according to a spokespersonspokesperson appointed byVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The face of the organization”
- “The official voice”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company spokesperson will issue a statement regarding the merger.
Academic
The study examined the rhetorical strategies employed by political spokespersons.
Everyday
We need to choose a spokesperson to talk to the landlord.
Technical
The incident commander designated a single spokesperson for all media briefings.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment.
- A spokesperson for the NHS outlined the new guidelines.
American English
- A White House spokesperson briefed reporters.
- The spokesperson for the tech giant announced the product recall.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher asked for a spokesperson from each group.
- A police spokesperson gave information about the accident.
- The spokesperson answered questions from journalists.
- The official spokesperson refuted the allegations made in the press.
- Acting as a spokesperson requires careful preparation and media training.
- The minister's spokesperson skillfully deflected the probing questions, adhering to the agreed messaging.
- Her effectiveness as a corporate spokesperson transformed the narrative surrounding the crisis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPOKE on a wheel connecting the hub to the rim. A SPOKESPERSON connects an organization (the hub) to the public (the rim).
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ORGANIZATION IS A PERSON (who speaks through a designated mouth).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'говорящее лицо'. Use 'представитель' or 'официальный представитель'. The role is about authorized representation, not just speaking.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'spokesperson' for someone expressing a personal opinion (incorrect). Using plural 'spokespersons' (acceptable but 'spokespeople' is more common).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'spokesperson' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for any group, large or small, that designates someone to speak on its behalf.
Both 'spokespersons' and 'spokespeople' are correct, but 'spokespeople' is more common.
Yes, it is often part of a formal job title (e.g., 'Chief Spokesperson', 'Media Spokesperson').
A 'spokesperson' is specifically a representative who communicates with the public/media. A 'representative' may have broader duties (e.g., legal, commercial).