pocketspeak4e

Select a Method of Delivery

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For virtually any type of speech or presentation, you can choose from four basic methods of delivery: speaking from manuscript; speaking from memory; speaking impromptu; and speaking extemporaneously.

Speaking from Manuscript

When speaking from manuscript, you read a speech verbatim—that is, from prepared written text that contains the entire speech, word for word. As a rule, speaking from manuscript restricts eye contact and body movement, and may also limit expressiveness in vocal variety and quality. Watching a speaker read a speech can be monotonous and boring for the audience.

There are times, however, when it is advisable or necessary to read a speech—for example, when you must convey a very precise message, when you will be quoted and must avoid misinterpretation, or when you must address an emergency and need to convey exact descriptions and directions (see Chapter 34 on crisis communication).

If you must read from a prepared text, do what you can to deliver the speech naturally:

Vary the rhythm of your words (see Chapter 18).
Become familiar enough with the speech so that you can establish some eye contact.
Use a large font and double- or triple-space the manuscript so that you can read without straining.
Consider using some compelling presentation aids (see Chapter 20).

Speaking from Memory

The formal name for speaking from memory is oratory. In oratorical style, you put the entire speech, word for word, into writing and then commit it to memory. In the United States, speaking from memory rarely occurs anymore, though this form of delivery is common in other parts of the world.²

Memorization is not a natural way to present a message. True eye contact with the audience is unlikely, and memorization invites potential disaster during a speech because there is always the possibility of a mental lapse or block. Some kinds of brief speeches, however, such as toasts and introductions, can be well served by memorization. Sometimes it’s helpful to memorize a part of the speech, especially when you use direct quotations as a form of support. If you do find an occasion to use memorization, learn that portion of your speech so completely that in actual delivery you can convey enthusiasm and directness.

Speaking Impromptu

Speaking impromptu, a type of delivery that is unpracticed, spontaneous, or improvised, involves speaking on relatively short notice with little time to prepare. Many occasions require that you make some remarks on the spur of the moment. An instructor may ask you to summarize key points from an assignment, for example, or a fellow employee who was scheduled to speak on a new project may be sick and your boss invites you to take his or her place.

Try to anticipate situations that may require you to speak impromptu, and prepare some remarks beforehand. Otherwise, maximize the time you do have to prepare on the spot:

Think first about your listeners. Consider their interests and needs, and try to shape your remarks accordingly. For example, who are the people present, and what are their views on the topic?
Listen to what others around you are saying. Take notes in a key-word or phrase format and arrange them into main points from which you can speak.
If your speech follows someone else’s, acknowledge that person’s statements. Then make your points.
Stay on the topic. Don’t wander off track.
Use transitions such as “first,” “second,” and “third,” both to organize your points and to help listeners follow them.

As much as possible, try to organize your points into a discernible pattern. If addressing a problem, for example, such as a project failure or glitch, consider the problem-solution pattern—state problem(s), then offer solution(s); or the cause-effect pattern of organizational arrangement—state cause(s) first, then address effect(s); see Chapter 13 for various ways of using these patterns. If called upon to defend one proposal as superior to another, consider using the comparative advantage pattern to illustrate various advantages of your favored proposal over the other options (see Chapter 24, p. 206).

Speaking Extemporaneously

Speaking extemporaneously falls somewhere between impromptu and written or memorized deliveries. In an extemporaneous speech, you prepare well and practice in advance, giving full attention to all facets of the speech—content, arrangement, and delivery alike. Instead of memorizing or writing the speech word for word, you speak from an outline of key words and phrases (see Chapter 14), having concentrated throughout your preparation and practice on the ideas that you want to communicate.

More speeches are delivered by extemporaneous delivery than by any other method. Because this technique is most conducive to achieving a natural, conversational quality of delivery, many speakers prefer it among the four types of delivery. Knowing your idea well enough to present it without memorization or manuscript gives you greater flexibility in adapting to the specific speaking situation. You can modify wording, rearrange your points, change examples, or omit information in keeping with the audience and the setting. You can have more eye contact, more direct body orientation, greater freedom of movement, and generally better control of your thoughts and actions than any of the other delivery methods allow.

Speaking extemporaneously does present a possible drawback. Occasionally, even a glance at your speaking notes may fail to jog your memory on a point you wanted to cover, and you momentarily find yourself searching for what to say next. The remedy for this potential pitfall is frequent practice using a speaking outline.

WHEN . . .	METHOD OF DELIVERY
Precise wording is called for; for instance, when you want to avoid being misquoted or misconstrued, or you need to communicate exact descriptions and directions . . .	Consider speaking from manuscript (reading part or all of your speech from fully prepared text).
You must deliver a short special-occasion speech, such as a toast or an introduction, or you plan on using direct quotations . . .	Consider speaking from memory (memorizing part or all of your speech).
You are called upon to speak without prior planning or preparation . . .	Consider speaking impromptu (organizing your thoughts with little or no lead time).
You have time to prepare and practice developing a speech or presentation that achieves a natural conversational style . . .	Consider speaking extemporaneously (developing your speech in working outline and then practicing and delivering it with a phrase or key-word outline).

Table 17.1: Table 17.1 METHODS OF DELIVERY AND THEIR PROBABLE USES