Since the 1990s, rapidly evolving communication technology has changed many of the ways we live and interact with one another. Before then, people wrote letters and used their landline telephones to stay in touch with friends and family members. Now you are far more likely to use text messages, emails, and social media instead. Back then, people 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. But face-to-face presentations are not 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 be asked to come to campus to deliver your speeches in person. (This is often the case in “hybrid” speaking courses.)

Many remote classes—and perhaps some in-person courses—will ask that you record your speeches. You also may 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 and look at two basic formats for mediated speeches.