1. A POCKET GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING 5TH EDITION Chapter 16-18
Methods of Delivery

2. Keys to Effective Delivery
Strive for naturalness.
Show enthusiasm.
Project a sense of confidence.
Engage directly with audience members.

3. Select a Method of Delivery
Four basic methods of delivery
Speaking from manuscript
Speaking from memory
Speaking impromptu
Speaking extemporaneously

4. Speaking from Manuscript
Reading a speech verbatim
Restricts eye contact and body movement
May limit vocal expressiveness
Can be monotonous and boring

5. Speaking from Manuscript (cont.)
May be advisable in certain situations:
Must convey a very precise message
Will be quoted
Must avoid misinterpretation
Must address an emergency
Need to convey exact descriptions/directions

6. Speaking from Manuscript (cont.)
When reading from a prepared text
Vary the rhythm of your words;
Familiarize yourself with the speech beforehand;
Use a large font;
Double- or triple-space the manuscript;
Consider using some compelling presentation aids.

7. Speaking from Memory Formally known as oratory
Memorized from verbatim written speech
Rarely used in the United States

8. Speaking from Memory (cont.)
True eye contact is unlikely
Invites potential danger (mental lapse)
Appropriate for toasts and introductions

9. Speaking Impromptu Unpracticed or improvised speech
Delivered with relatively short notice
Try to anticipate impromptu speech situations.
Prepare some remarks beforehand.

10. Speaking Impromptu (cont.)
Maximize your preparation time.
Think first about your listeners.
Listen to what others are saying.
Acknowledge a previous speaker’s statements.
Stay on the topic.
Use transitions.

11. Speaking Extemporaneously
Most speeches are delivered this way.
Prepare well and practice in advance.
Speak from an outline.

12. Speaking Extemporaneously (cont.)
This method helps you adapt to the situation.
Potential for memory lapse still exists.
Practice frequently using a speaking outline.

13. Adjust Your Speaking Volume
Relative loudness of a speaker’s voice
Most obvious vocal element
Proper speech volume
Somewhat louder than normal conversation

14. Adjust Your Speaking Volume (cont.)
Three factors affect ideal speech volume
Size of the room and audience
Use (or not) of a microphone
Level of background noise
Be sure listeners can hear you.
Adjust your volume as needed.

15. Vary Your Pitch and Intonation
Range of sounds from high to low
Affects the meaning of spoken words
Intonation
Rising and falling of vocal pitch
Different types convey different meanings

16. Vary Your Pitch and Intonation (cont.)
Pitch conveys your
Mood;
Level of enthusiasm;
Concern for the audience;
Overall commitment to the occasion.
Vary your pitch to avoid monotony.

17. Adjust Your Speaking Rate
Pace at which you convey speech
Normally words per minute
Pay attention to the audience’s reactions.
Speaking too slowly bores listeners.
Speaking too quickly can be confusing.

18. Use Strategic Pauses Pauses enhance meaning by
Providing a type of punctuation;
Emphasizing a point;
Drawing attention to a thought;
Allowing listeners to contemplate a point.
Speakers and listeners both need pauses.

19. Strive for Vocal Variety
Vocal elements should work together to create vocal variety.
Vary the elements with enthusiasm.

20. Carefully Pronounce and Articulate Words
Pronunciation
Correct formulation of word sounds
Articulation
Clarity with which sounds are made
Incorrect pronunciation and articulation distract audiences.

21. Carefully Pronounce and Articulate Words (cont.)
Mumbling
Common pattern of poor articulation
Slurring words together
Low level of volume and pitch
Lazy speech
Common examples include fer and wanna

22. Carefully Pronounce and Articulate Words (cont.)
Overcome poor articulation.
Practice speaking more loudly.
Use emphatic pronunciation.
Put more effort into articulation.
Consciously try to say words correctly.
Practice clear and precise enunciation.

23. Use Dialect (Language Variation) with Care
Distinctive way of speaking
Associated with a region/social group
Examples: Cajun, Appalachian English, Ebonics
Ensure you can be understood.
Use appropriate pronunciation and word usage.

24. Pay Attention to Body Language
Body language includes
Facial expressions;
Eye behavior;
Gestures;
General body movements.

25. Animate Your Facial Expressions
Smiling is a sign of
Mutual welcome (start of the speech);
Mutual comfort/interest (during the speech);
Mutual goodwill (close of the speech).
Smiling aids relaxation and improves confidence.

26. Maintain Eye Contact Most important physical action while speaking
Maintains the quality of directness;
Lets people know they are recognized;
Indicates acknowledgement and respect;
Shows you consider listeners unique people.

27. Maintain Eye Contact (cont.)
Scanning
Technique used with large crowds.
Move your gaze among listeners.
Move your gaze among sections.
Pause long enough to complete one thought.
Give all sections equal attention.

28. Use Gestures That Feel Natural
Physical gestures
Fill in gaps in your message:
Illustrate size or shape of objects.
Express the depth of an emotion.
Should arise from genuine emotions.
Should conform to your personality.

29. Use Gestures That Feel Natural (cont.)
Use natural, spontaneous gestures.
Avoid exaggerated gestures.
Eliminate distracting gestures.

30. Use Gestures That Feel Natural (cont.)
Analyze your gestures for effectiveness.
Practice movements that feel natural.

31. Create a Feeling of Immediacy
Nonverbal immediacy
Perceived physical and psychological closeness
Makes listeners respond more positively
Helps listeners to learn more

32. Create a Feeling of Immediacy (cont.)
Keys to establishing immediacy
Enthusiastic vocal delivery
Frequent eye contact
Animated facial expressions
Natural body movements

33. Dress Appropriately Attire is the first thing audiences notice.
Critical criteria for determining appropriate dress:
Audience expectations
Nature of the speech occasion

34. Dress Appropriately (cont.)
Extension of dress
Objects around or on your person
Can distract listeners from your message
Avoid having unnecessary items:
Pens, pencils, excessive papers
Large jewelry, briefcases, backpacks

35. Practice the Delivery Practice is essential to effective delivery.
More practice leads to greater comfort.
Practice with a fully developed outline.
Focus on the message.
Plan ahead and practice often.

36. Practice the Delivery (cont.)
Practice with your speaking notes.
Revise unsatisfactory parts of your speech.
Alter your notes as you go.
Focus on your speech ideas.
Time each part of your speech.

37. Practice the Delivery (cont.)
Practice with your presentation aids.
Record yourself with an audio recorder.
Video yourself twice (if possible).
Once after several practice sessions
Again after incorporating any changes

38. Practice the Delivery (cont.)
Visualize the speech setting.
Practice under realistic conditions.
Project your voice, filling the room.

39. Practice the Delivery (cont.)
Practice with at least one volunteer.
Constructive criticism helps your delivery.
Schedule your practice sessions early on.
Gives you time to prepare and revise