bcom chp 14

Choose Your Delivery Format

No matter why you’re speaking, you have various options for how to deliver your speech.

impromptu speech

is delivered on the spot, with little or no preparation.

When delivering an impromptu speech, it helps to:

•Avoid panicking.

•Think in threes.

•Draw on what’s already happened.

•Be brief.

extemporaneous speech

is a prepared speech rehearsed to sound as though it is being delivered spontaneously.

•Extemporaneous speeches allow speakers to use minimal notes, maintain eye contact, and speak in a relaxed tone.

•This style can be challenging if the speech must last a specific period of time or use exact wording.

scripted speech

is composed word for word and then read aloud exactly as written.

•Scripted speeches call for the use of a manuscript or teleprompter.

•They allow speakers to have their words in front of them, but they take considerable time and energy to prepare.

Manipulating a manuscript can be tricky.

memorized speech

is composed word for word and then delivered from memory.

•Memorized speeches free a speaker from having to use a manuscript, allowing them to move and gesture naturally.

•They take considerable time and energy to prepare, can come across as overly formal, and can suffer if the speaker’s memory fails.

Recorded Speeches

Many business professionals record their presentations to live stream to remote audiences or distribute via social media or other channels.

•Extemporaneous delivery.

•Scripted delivery.

•Memorized delivery.

Visual Elements Affect Delivery

When rehearsing a presentation, pay attention to how you look while speaking.

•Use appropriate facial expressions.

•Maintain eye contact.

•Be aware of posture and body position.

•Use appropriate gestures.

•Pay attention to personal appearance.

Vocal Elements Affect Delivery

When rehearsing a presentation, pay attention to how you sound while speaking.

•Consider the rate of speech.

•Determine the appropriate volume.

•Be aware of pitch.

•Employ good articulation.

•Ensure good fluency.

Effective Virtual Presentations

A compelling virtual presentation calls for some different considerations than an in-person speech.

Consider your personal appearance.

•Clothing.

•Background.

•Lighting.

Effective Virtual Presentations 

Other ways to maximize your effectiveness when speaking virtually:

•Focus your eye contact.

•Be mindful of movement.

Use your voice deliberately.

Public speaking anxiety

is a common form of stress.

•More than one in five adults fears public speaking.

•Many speakers fear embarrassment, disapproval, or ridicule if their speech doesn’t go well.

Stage Fright: Psychological Effects: Public speaking anxiety

is a specific form of anxiety or worry.

•Many people experience anticipatory anxiety.

•Anxiety peaks as people feel the pressure to perform.

•Not every speech evokes the same level of anxiety.

Stage Fright: Physical Effects: Public speaking anxiety

can cause a fight-or-flight response.

•Increased breathing and heart rates.

•Increased perspiration.

Elevated blood pressure and stress hormones

Stage Fright: Behavioral Effects

Public speaking anxiety can affect behavior in at least five separate domains:

•Voice.

•Mouth and throat.

•Facial expression.

•General movement.

Verbal behavior

Combating Anxiety

Public speaking anxiety can be debilitating, but it can also be used to a speaker’s advantage.

Making Public Speaking Anxiety an Advantage 1

You can turn public speaking anxiety to an advantage if you:

•Accept it as a normal response.

•Focus your nervous energy.

•Visualize a successful performance.

Making Public Speaking Anxiety an Advantage 2

You can turn public speaking anxiety to an advantage if you: (continued)

•Desensitize your fear.

•Practice in virtual reality.

•Stay positive.

Get Comfortable With Your Audience

Speakers can project confidence if they are comfortable with listeners.

•Engage with audience before starting a speech.

•Focus on friendly faces.

•Be sensitive to audiences’ unique needs.

Choose People-Centric Language

Confident speakers should choose words that focus on people.

•Make people the subject of your sentences.

•Introduce colleagues and refer to them by name.

•Use audience member’s names when appropriate.

Stay Flexible and Calm 1

Effective speakers maintain a flexible, adaptable approach while speaking.

•Arrive early.

•Focus on the needs of your audience.

•If you lose your place, don’t panic.

Stay Flexible and Calm 2

Effective speakers maintain a flexible, adaptable approach while speaking. (continued)

•Never tell your audience things haven’t gone as expected.

•Always have a plan B.

•Know what your key messages are.

Use the Room to Your Advantage

You can connect with audiences if you position yourself close to them and establish eye contact.

•Position yourself where people can see you easily.

•Move around but avoid distracting audience.

•Use podiums and tables strategically.

Engage Your Audience 1

Good speakers engage the audience as much as possible without getting off-message.

•Field questions.

•Pause before answering.

•Be honest.

•Show appreciation.

Engage Your Audience 2

Good speakers engage the audience as much as possible without getting off-message. (continued)

•Be concise.

•Reframe the question to match your agenda.

•Mingle and follow up.