Formal term for a person who delivers a speech or public address. Often used in political, academic, or ceremonial contexts.
The speaker delivered an impassioned speech from the podium.
At the ceremony, three speakers gave congratulatory addresses.
Compound of 弁 (speech, eloquence) and 者 (person). The kanji 弁 is associated with speaking and argumentation, while 者 is a common suffix for 'person'.