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.
spokesperson; representative; mouthpiece
financial sponsor; financial supporter
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'.