Chapter Nineteen The Body in Delivery

Chapter Nineteen Table of Contents zFunctions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery zBody Language zPracticing the Delivery

The Body in Delivery zAural channel: vocalizations that form and accompany spoken words zVisual channel: the speaker’s visual actions and appearance, such as facial expressions, gestures, and physical appearance.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery zResearchers have identified several ways in which nonverbal communication works together with the verbal component of a speech.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery zClarifying Verbal Messages zFacilitating Feedback zEstablishing Relationships Between Speaker and Audience zEstablishing Speaker Credibility

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery: Clarifying Verbal Messages zThe same words spoken with different body movements or different vocal emphases convey different meanings.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery: Facilitating Feedback zBe alert to the cues listeners use to communicate their pleasure or displeasure.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery: Establishing Relationships Between Speaker and Audience zNonverbal behavior allows you to adjust your relationship with the audience, establishing a level of closeness and familiarity.

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery: Establishing Speaker Credibility zAudiences are more readily persuaded by speakers who emphasize vocal variety, eye contact, nodding, and standing with an open body position.

Body Language zAudience members are quick to detect discrepancies between what you say and how you say it.

Body Language zFacial Expressions zEye Contact zGestures zGeneral Body Movement zDress and Objects

Body Language: Facial Expressions zBy our facial expressions, an audience can gauge whether we are excited about or indifferent to our speech.

Body Language: Eye Contact zMaintaining eye contact is mandatory in establishing a positive relationship with listeners. zScanning: moving your gaze from one audience member to another while speaking

Body Language: Gestures zHead, arm, hand, and leg gestures clarify the meanings of our words by: zFilling in gaps. zExpressing size or shape. zExpressing depth of emotion. zAdding emphasis.

Body Language: General Body Movement zAudience members may tire of a talking head that remains in one place behind a podium. zYou should strive to stand erect, but not rigidly.

Body Language: Dress and Objects zThe first thing an audience tends to notice is your clothing. zAvoid the distracting use of props like pens, glasses of water, or open briefcases.

Practicing the Delivery zThe more you practice, the greater your comfort level will be when you actually deliver a speech.

Practicing the Delivery zRecord the Speech zBe Prepared to Revise Your Speaking Outline zPractice Under Realistic Conditions zTime Your Speech zPlan ahead and Practice often

Practicing the Delivery: Record the Speech zTo accurately gauge how you sound and look, practice with audio- or videotaping.

Practicing the Delivery: Be Prepared to Revise Your Speaking Outline zBe prepared to revise your speech if your introduction or conclusion isn’t as effective as you’d like it.

Practicing the Delivery: Practice Under Realistic Conditions zTry to simulate the actual speech setting as you practice: yPicture audience and seating arrangements. yUse a makeshift podium. yBegin practicing with speaking outline until you are confident. yPractice in front of a live audience.

Practicing the Delivery: Time Your Speech zEnsure that you stay within the time period zAdjust sections of the speech accordingly.

Practicing the Delivery: Plan Ahead and Practice Often zBegin practicing your speech several days before you are to deliver it. zPractice your speech about five times in its final form.