Delivering Your Speech

Why Is Delivery Important? Delivery: The way you communicate messages orally and visually through your use of voice, face, and body. Approximately 55-90% of the meaning listeners grasp is from delivery. Delivery can make an adequate speech seem great to the listeners. An excellent speech can fail to reach the listeners because of ineffective delivery.

Methods of Delivery pg 271

Qualities of Effective Delivery page 271 Nonverbal delivery should reinforce verbal message. You should sound as if you are talking with your listeners rather than speaking to them. Strive for naturalness. Show enthusiasm Show confidence Be direct. You should avoid delivery behaviors that distract or contradict your message. Your delivery should be “dramatic” but not “theatrical.”

Conversational Style Conversational: You seem spontaneous and natural despite having practiced your speech. Your goal is to communicate with your audience rather than speak to them.

Voice page 279 Paralanguage: The use of voice to convey nonverbal meaning. Volume (How loudly or softly you speak) Pitch (The highness or lowness of your voice.) Rate (most speakers speak wpm) Pauses (avoid vocalized pauses… “um”) Enunciation (The act of speaking clearly and distinctly) Pronunciation (know how to pronounce all words.) Use Vocal Variety!

Commonly Mispronounced Words

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery (page 286) Nonverbal Communication:  Clarifies the meaning of a verbal message  Facilitates feedback  Establishes a relationship between speaker and audience  Establishes speaker credibility

Pay Attention to Body Movement pg 288  Animate facial Expressions - Smile!  Maintain Eye Contact – You should look at the eyes of your audience members 90% of your speech!  Use natural gestures - Keep hands out of pockets! Don’t cross arms. Don’t grip podium!  Be aware of body movement - Don’t shift weight or sway. Use motivated movement.

Facial Expressions Facial Expressions: The use of the face to express a wide variety of emotions. Facial expressions reinforce the emotional content of your speech. Effective facial expressions appear natural, lively, and spontaneous.

Eye Contact Eyes are probably the most important source of nonverbal communication. Attempt to look at your audience at least 90% of the time. Span the entire audience. Look listeners in the eye.

Body Movement Motivated Movement: Reinforces the meaning of your speech by emphasizing points, referencing presentational aids, and clarifying structure. You should plan and practice your use of movement. Never turn your back to the audience!

Dress Appropriately page 290 Object language: The ways appearance communicates meaning to listeners. Looking like a professional tends to improve speaker credibility (Bate, 1992; Cherulnik, 1989; Lawrence & Watson, 1991; Molloy, 1975; Temple & Loewen, 1993). Appearance should aid your message and not distract from it.

A Checklist for Appearance Avoid extremes. Consider the audience and occasion when picking your clothing and other appearance related items. Consider your topic and purpose.

Practice Delivery pg 292  Practice! Practice! Practice!  Record yourself!  Practice under realistic conditions!  Practice with note cards.  Practice in front of friends!  Time yourself!  Visualize the setting where you will speak