Chapter 14.1 4 Methods of Speech Delivery

Learning Objectives

  • Differentiate among the four methods of speech delivery.

  • Understand when to use each of the four methods of speech delivery.

General Principles

  • The easiest approach is not always the best.

  • Public speaking is distinct from both reading and talking; it requires formality.

  • Professionalism in speech delivery includes:

    • Being well-groomed and appropriately dressed.

    • Using correct language suitable for the audience and topic.

    • Making eye contact.

    • Demonstrating knowledge of the topic.

  • Speaking allows for pauses, eye contact, changes in word order, and vocal emphasis.

  • Reading is an exact replication of words without nonverbal interpretation.

  • Speaking provides a more animated message.

Four Methods of Delivery

1. Impromptu Speaking

  • Definition: Presentation of a short message without advanced preparation.

  • Examples:

    • Saying a few words or giving a toast.

    • Self introductions.

    • Answering a question.

  • Advantages:

    • Spontaneity and responsiveness.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Little or no time to contemplate the message.

    • Message may be disorganized.

  • Step-by-step guide:

    1. Collect thoughts and plan the main point.

    2. Thank the person for inviting you to speak.

    3. Deliver your message briefly and clearly.

    4. Thank the person again.

    5. Stop talking.

  • Impromptu speeches are most successful when brief and focused.

2. Extemporaneous Speaking

  • Definition: Presentation of a carefully planned and rehearsed speech, spoken conversationally using brief notes.

  • Use of notes allows for:

    • Eye contact with the audience.

    • Assessment of audience understanding.

    • Opportunity to restate ideas more clearly.

  • Example of clarifying a concept:

    • Term: Sleep deprivation.

    • Explanation: Sleep loss serious enough to threaten one's cognition, hand to eye coordination, judgment, and emotional health.

  • Advantages:

    • Speaker perceived as knowledgeable and credible.

    • Audience engagement.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Requires a great deal of preparation.

  • Extemporaneous speaking is commonly used in public speaking situations.

3. Manuscript Speaking

  • Definition: Word-for-word iteration of a written message.

  • Speaker maintains attention on the printed page.

  • Advantage: Exact repetition of original words (important in some circumstances).

  • Potential errors: Mispronunciation or stumbling over complex sentences.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Can be uninteresting.

    • Requires rehearsed reading with vocal expression and gestures.

    • Limits eye contact.

  • Note: Professional speakers may use an Auto Cue device (teleprompter).

  • Success depends on:

    • Speaker's skill.

    • Conversational style of the speech.

4. Memorized Speaking

  • Definition: Recitation of a written message committed to memory.

  • Useful when the message needs to be exact and the speaker wants to be free of notes.

  • Advantage: Enables speaker to maintain eye contact.

  • Being free of notes allows for movement and gestures.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Presentation may be flat without planned vocal cues.

    • Risk of monotone or sing-song delivery.

    • Risk of rapid, machine-gun style.

    • Difficulty recovering if you lose your place or go blank.

Key Takeaways

  • Four main kinds of speech delivery:

    • Impromptu: on the spur of the moment.

    • Extemporaneous: conversational, using notes (most common).

    • Manuscript: reading a fully scripted speech.

    • Memorized: reciting from memory.