Chapter 9 – Delivering Your Speech

 

Methods of Delivery

 

1.      Manuscript Method – A type of speech delivery in which the speech is read to the audience.

 

2.      Memorization Method – A type of speech delivery in which the manuscript is learned and delivered word for word without the use of a manuscript.

 

3.      Extemporaneous Method – A type of speech delivery in which speakers prepare ideas for their speeches but do not memorize exact words.

 

4.      Impromptu Method – A type of speech delivery in which the speaker talks “off the cuff” with no chance for preparation.

 

Manuscript – write down everything you are going to say and read it

            Advantages –             Won’t forget the speech

                                                Time to choose effective language

                                                Often sounds smoother

                                                Assures precise timing

 

            Disadvantages -         Sounds like it is being read

                                                Doesn’t sound or appear natural

 

Memorization – Write down everything you are going to say and memorize it.

            Advantages -              Time to choose effective language

                                                Precise timing

 

            Disadvantages -         Sounds prepackaged

                                                Burden on your memory

 

Extemporaneous – Create an outline of the major ideas you want to present.  Use the outline or note cards.

            Advantages -              Sounds natural

                                                Can use positive and negative feedback from audience

 

            Disadvantages -         Not timed precisely

Requires greater individual knowledge of the subject matter

 

Impromptu – No previous preparation

            Advantages -              Sounds natural

 

            Disadvantages -         Sounds unprepared

                                                Not timed precisely

 

Combining Methods of Delivery

            Must have smooth transitions

            Requires greater skill and experience

Examples – Memorize the introduction and conclusion to create effect, while the body of the speech is extemporaneous

The extemporaneous method is the most advantageous.

 

Nonverbal Aspects of Delivering a Speech

You are judged from the time you leave your seat.

            Show Confidence

Make eye contact

1.      Allows you to monitor feedback

Feedback – Total of all the visible and audible reactions of the audience to the speaker (Ex.  Yawns, smile, head nodding)

2.      Include the entire audience

Using gestures

1.      Be natural

2.      Don’t think to much about it

3.      Don’t write in gestures

Head and facial gestures are most important – The audience pays more attention to head and facial gestures.

1.      Be natural

2.      Appropriate for the topic

3.      Varied to maintain audience attention

Platform movement

1.      Must be natural

2.      Creates variety

3.      Watch out for the ping pong effect

Appearance

1.      Dress for the occasion

2.      Dress for the audience

Concluding your speech

Departure – needs to be appropriate for the topic – same aspects apply as when you begin your speech, it doesn’t conclude until you sit down.

Using your voice (What is heard)

1.      Volume – the audience must be able to hear you.

Need proper breathing (deep breaths through nose) it becomes natural

Variety in volume – emphasize what is important

2.      Variety in Pitch – (Tone) – Creates interest, you can create emphasis

Monotone – Audience perceives a lack of enthusiasm

3.      Speaking Rate

Normal – 120-150 words a minute

Timed pauses – are good for effect

Vocalized pause – “uh”, “er”, you know”

            Use transition words

Rehearse your speech with a tape recorder or have someone else listen to your speech

 

Articulation and Pronunciation

Articulation – The way in which the tongue teeth, palate, and lips are moved and used to produce the crisp, clear, sounds of good speech

Pronunciation – Selecting the correct sounds and the proper syllable stresses

 

            The two best sources for discovering the accepted pronunciation of words are:

1.      The dictionary

2.      The prominent speakers of the day

 

Special Problems of Delivering a Speech

Using the Lectern, “Podium”

1.      Basic purpose is to hold notes

2.      It is not a support or an object to hide behind

3.      The audience should be as unaware of your notes as possible

4.      Should not be tied to the podium if greater effect can be achieved without it

Using a microphone

1.      Test it first if possible

2.      Should not be too close or too far away – the average distance is 10-12 inches from  your mouth

3.      Lavalier microphone – A microphone which hangs around the neck or is clipped to the speaker

Dealing with Distractions and Interruptions

1.      Outside Distraction – (Jet, intercom, class outside, student coming in late, etc.)

Can pause briefly but don’t point it out unless you are confident you can pull it off successfully

2.      Heckler – Handle a heckler with dignity and poise

Can allow the audience to quiet the heckler

Address the heckler as a last resort