Exploring Public Speaking: Chapter 11 Delivery Notes

Chapter 11: Delivery

Learning Objectives

• Methods of Speech Delivery: Identify different methods.
• Key Elements in Speech Preparation: Recognize essential preparation factors.
• Delivery-Related Behaviors: Understand their benefits.
• Techniques for Enhancing Delivery: Utilize specific strategies for better delivery.

11.1 – The Importance of Delivery

• Fear of Public Speaking: Many fear delivery more than writing or research. The delivery time is often the shortest part of the process, but the aspect that induces the greatest anxiety.
• Scenario Comparison:
• Bob: Spends weeks preparing but delivers poorly due to nerves; audience still gains valuable info.
• Chris: Charismatic but poorly prepared; audience leaves confused.
• Conclusion: A well-prepared speech can still succeed even with a poor delivery; conversely, a poor script delivered well does not equate to success.
• Distinction of Public Speaking: It is more formal than talking but less formal than reading.
• Professional presentation necessitates grooming, appropriate attire, and effective use of language.
• Engaging delivery includes eye contact and dynamism, unlike monotone reading.

11.2 – Methods of Speech Delivery

• Four Methods: Understanding the strengths and challenges of each:
• Impromptu Speaking: Unprepared speech; relies on spontaneity.
  • Advantages: Responsive and dynamic.
  • Disadvantages: Disorganized content.
  • Tips: Collect thoughts beforehand, structure points, keep it brief, thank the audience.
• Manuscript Speaking: Reads a written speech verbatim.
  • Advantages: Precisely articulated.
  • Disadvantages: Can be dull and lacks eye contact; recommended only for formal or legally sensitive contexts.
• Extemporaneous Speaking: Planned speech using brief notes for reference.
  • Advantages: Engaging, allows for eye contact, adaptable on-the-fly.
  • Most encouraged method for classroom presentations.
• Memorized Speaking: Presentation from memory.
  • Advantages: Full eye contact and movement potential.
  • Disadvantages: Risk of monotony and errors if memory fails; highly demanding.

11.3 – Preparing For Your Delivery

• Vocal Adjustments: Learn to adapt delivery to audience and environment.
• Using Lecterns: Function: Helps structure the delivery, but avoid over-reliance.
• Large vs Small Spaces:
• Adjustments Needed: Volume, facial expression, and gestures need to be scaled for space.
• Microphone Handling: Familiarize with types, adjust volume and presence appropriately.
• Audience Awareness: Tailor delivery to audience size; smaller audiences are more intimate.

11.4 – Practicing Your Delivery

• Practice Techniques:
• Out Loud: Ensures natural speech and identifies awkward phrases.
• Standing Up: Mimics actual presentation posture.
• Use of Lecterns: Simulate the speaking environment.
• With an Audience: Including family or friends to gain comfort and feedback.
• Timing the Speech: Ensure adherence to time limits by practicing.
• Recording Practice: Helps observe delivery style and make necessary changes.
• Emphasis on Mistakes: Prepare for inevitable errors and learn to move past them seamlessly.

11.5 – What to Do When Delivering Your Speech

• Delivery Balance: Aim for a moderate level—neither overdramatic nor overly restrained.
• Use of Hands: Avoid distracting gestures, use natural movements as in conversation.
• Feet Positioning: Shoulder-width apart, avoid excessive movement or rigidity.
• Eye Contact: Engage the audience; establish true connections versus fake substitutes.
• Volume Control: Adjust according to the venue size; avoid mumbling or shouting.
• Pitch Variation: Avoid monotony; incorporate natural fluctuations in tone.
• Rate: Practice pacing to maintain audience understanding without rushing or dragging.
• Pausing Strategy: Utilize pauses effectively to underline key points without becoming awkward.
• Vocalized Pauses Awareness: Identify and minimize extraneous filler words to enhance flow.

11.6 - Expert Advice on the Voice

• Breath Support: Vital for vocal clarity and volume; avoid relying solely on vocal cords.
• Vocal Warm-ups: Importance of bodily relaxation, tension release, and practice in vocal delivery.
• Key Warm-up Steps: Include movements for body awareness, breath control, and vocal sound exercises.

Conclusion

• Effective Delivery: Enhances speech impact; good preparation minimizes distractions and engages the audience effectively.
• Self-Assessment: Identify personal delivery challenges to improve public speaking skills dramatically.