Conveying Information Panther Prep (Public Speaking) North Central High School

Speech Delivery There are several different types of speech deliveries: –Impromptu – Very little prep time –Manuscript – Exact words written out –Memorized – Exact words memorized –Extemporaneous –Outlined, but not scripted Each of these has its own place and time when it is appropriate for use.

Impromptu Speeches Impromptu speeches do not allow for extensive prep. The down fall to these speeches is that they tend to be unorganized and can “ramble” on. The chances of a successful Impromptu speech can be improved by: –Keeping it short and relevant –Using analogies from personal experience –Handle ONLY 1 main point –Make sure the central idea is plainly stated

Manuscript Speeches Manuscript speeches can be dangerous because they: –Reduce eye contact with the audience –Can be boring if simply read (without emotion) –Can cause the speaker to be more involved with the words than the message. To succeed in a manuscript speech, the speaker should: –Type in CAPS and triple space –Practice delivery aloud –Use markings to indicate where emphasis and emotion should be

Memorized Speeches Memorized speeches can be impressive, but require a certain amount of skill and preparation: –Takes a lot of time to memorize –Requires a degree of acting ability –Risk of forgetting speech is high with out help –Speaker will struggle with changes and can be distracted from the message Memorized speeches should only be delivered when necessary and/or when the speaker is comfortable with their skill and the situation.

Extemporaneous Speeches Extemporaneous speeches can be the most effective speeches because the star of the speech is the message and not the rhetoric. Another term for this type of speech is “outlined” speech. In an extemporaneous speech, the speaker should know the important details, but the word order is not predetermined. The use of note cards or outlines can be very helpful.

Information Presentation There are 6 main ways of integrating information into the body of the speech. –Examples –Explanations –Statistics –Testimony –Compare/Contrast –Visual Aids Each type of integration, there are specific forms of use.

Examples Types of example integration include: –Brief Factual Example –Brief Hypothetical Example –Detailed Factual Example –Detailed Hypothetical Example The benefit of examples is that they put information into context. The downside of examples is that the audience can get lost or distracted by extraneous details.

Explanation Explanation techniques include: –Exposition (ordered explanation) –Analysis (breaking down, explain parts) –Definition (exact, but avoid further confusion) –Description (5 senses) Benefits include creating mental pictures for the audience. Downfalls include the likelihood of boring the audience.

Using Stats Statistics can express ranges and degree of information. Stats can weigh down a speech so the speaker should: –Dramatize stats (Stats must be accurate, but can be rearranged to make a point.) –Round off stats (35,147 or over 35 Thousand?) –Graphically display stats (Numbers can be distracting and audience will mull over numbers and tune out speaker.)

Testimony Testimony is a way of getting, what the audience perceives as first-hand information, in to the speech. The author of the testimony must be trustworthy and must have the respect of the audience. (Avoid hypocrites.) If the audience does not trust a source then they will not trust anything that is related to that source. (You lost them.)

Compare/Contrast The benefit of compare/contrast is that that the speaker is able to put the positive idea and the negative idea on the same field. The down fall is that the audience can perceive bias on the part of the speaker. “Spin” – Manipulating factual information to fit a non- factual purpose.

Visual Aids Visual aids can enhance a speech by making the information more memorable to the audience. Aids can include: –Charts and graphs –Slides and film clips –Transparencies or PowerPoint slides –Pamphlets and handouts –Re-enactments or roleplaying

Rules of Visual Aids Visual aids should enhance a speech but should never distract from the message. Handouts often distract from the speaker because the audience reads the handout instead of listening to the speaker. Flashy visual aids can draw attention away from the speaker and get the audience lost in technology instead of the issue.

Visual Aid Checklist When using visual aids, the speaker should: –Make the aid large enough for all to see –Avoid complexity in the aid –Illustrate main points only (less is more) –Refer to the aid physically and in word –Avoid facing the aid (NO BACK TO THE AUDIENCE!) –Keep aid out of view when not in use –Do not hand out aid to audience (especially during speech) –Do not get lost in the aid (speak and refer) –Be able to go without aid in case of problem

Impromptu Speech: Sell Me! Up to 6 Volunteers PREPARATION: Pick and object in the room and give it a job that it would not normally do. Take 10 min. organize your thoughts and prepare to introduce the item to the class. Use the item as a visual aid. DELIVERY: You will have 5 min. to deliver the speech. (NO SCRIPTS) Be sure to include all of the following in your speech: –The name –The function –The benefit –Why it is the “best thing ever” –Use the item as an aid in your presentation.

Impromptu Speech Sell Me!