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Since the 1990s, the rapid growth of communication technology has changed many of the ways we live and interact. Before then, you might have written letters or used the phone to stay in touch with friends and family members. Now you would be far more likely to text, e-mail, or use social media instead. Back then you would have had no choice but to visit the library to begin a research project, but now most students can access quality library resources online. Rather than commuting to your job every day, you may end up telecommuting from remote locations, using mobile devices such as laptops or smartphones to stay connected with colleagues and clients.

How do these trends relate to public speaking? These technological changes have created more options for public speakers to reach an audience. This is not to say that F2F presentations are on the way out; on the contrary, they remain the gold standard of public speaking formats. Technology cannot replicate the naturalness of F2F communication and the bond that can be created when speaker and audience share the same space. If you are taking an online public speaking class, you may even be asked to come to campus to deliver your speeches in person. (This is often the case in traditional “hybrid” speaking courses.)

Many remote classes—and perhaps some in-person courses—will ask that you record your speeches; you may also face situations in school and life in which a mediated format is your best available option. Mediated presentations offer some specific benefits, such as cost savings and the ability to reach a wide audience. Let’s consider how mediated options are expanding, then look at two basic formats for mediated speeches.