Unit 12: Delivering the Speech
It is not just what you say; it is how you say it. This is why understanding the nature of oral delivery and improving your own oral characteristics are important in ensuring the success of your presentation. Few speakers have pitch-perfect delivery. Actors, politicians, businessmen and women, and clerics have been known to seek out delivery coaches to upgrade their oratory. You will probably not have access to a speech coach, but if you are determined to present powerfully delivered speeches, there are two actions you can take to improve your skills: videotape yourself and seek out opportunities to deliver public presentations. Private and public practice will create self-critiques and public exposure all speakers need to both educate and motivate them to improve. There are many ways you can do this – for example, you may consider joining Toastmasters International, a membership-based, educational organization which shares information about public speaking and gives speakers opportunities to practice their skills and be critiqued by other members.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- identify the strengths and weaknesses of each delivery mode;
- explain how the characteristics of the physical setting of a speech impact the speaker's preparation;
- convert a speaking outline into effective notecards;
- identify effective use of presentation characteristics including use of eye contact, vocal qualities, and gesture.
12.1: Four Methods of Delivery
Read the introduction to chapter 14 and section 14.1, which cover the four ways you can deliver a speech. When would you choose each one? How can you tell which is best, based on your audience's needs? You should have a logical reason; never choose a delivery mode based on convenience. Attempt the exercises at the end of the section.
- Read this section, which discusses the merits of each delivery method: impromptu, manuscript delivery, memorization, and extemporaneous delivery. After you read, you should be able to make your speech practice sessions more effective.
This video compares the four methods of presentation: extemporaneous, manuscript reading, memorization, and impromptu. Extemporaneous speaking is the most natural and credible form of speaking.
12.2: Speaking Contexts That Affect Delivery
This section describes the technical and environmental problems that can reduce the effectiveness of your speech. Answer questions 2 and 3 at the end of the section.
This video explains the merits of speaking to your audience without the obstruction of a podium.
Watch this video to learn more about the adjustments we make when addressing large audiences.
12.3: Using Notes Effectively
Cue cards should not distract the audience and should be used for recall, not reading. Read these tips, each of which satisfies one of those two expectations. Answer the exercises at the end of the section.
This interactive presentation summarizes the process of creating and using note cards while presenting a speech. Complete the exercise at the end of the presentation to test your understanding.
12.4: Practicing For Successful Speech Delivery
Read this section and attempt the questions at the end. While most speakers recognize the need to practice, many fail to realize that even if you have a nearly flawless practice session, one session is not enough. Practicing is not only for remembering the content; it also involves developing "muscle memory", so you can act without actually thinking. The more you practice, the more it becomes a habit that you can reproduce subconsciously.
12.5: Unit 12 Exercises
After you finish this unit, respond to these questions. If you get any incorrect, review that material from the chapter.