Delivering Your Speech

12.1 Introduction

The basic foundation for a good speech delivery involves the two “P’s”: Preparation and Practice.

12.2 Method of Delivery

4 basic methods of presenting a speech:

manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous, and impromptu

Manuscript:

The speech is written and the speaker reads it word for word to the audience

Ex. Newscasters

This keeps it precise decreasing error which can decrease credibility

Memorized:

when the manuscript is committed to memory and recited to the audience word for word

Ex. Used to be taught and there were competitions to memorize speeches

Ex. actors

Impromptu:

unprepared and unrehearsed

generally short and are often given with little or no notice

Ex. toasts, introductions

Extemporaneous:

not completely written out 

It is usually delivered with keynotes for reference

Prepared and rehearsed 

Should not spend more than 20% of the time looking at the notes, 5% is preferred

12.3 Vocal Aspects of Delivery

Articulation, Pronunciation, Dialect, Tone, Pitch, and Projection each depends on long-term practice for success.

Articulation:

how well and correctly we form our vowels and consonants using our lips, jaw, tongue, and palate to form the sounds that are identified as speech. Diction and enunciation are other terms that refer to the same idea

Pronunciation: 

 how the vowels and consonants are produced as well as which syllable is emphasized

A missed pronounced word will lessen credibility and the audience will focus on the fault

Accents:

the degree of prominence of the way syllables are spoken in words

Ex. Australia says “undah” whereas we say “under

Dialect: is a variety of language where one is distinguished from others by grammar and vocabulary

Ex. In Pennsylvania you might hear people say that they are going to “red up the room,” which means “to clean the room.”

Regionalism: is a type of expression

ex. “The dog wants walked,” instead of “the dog wants to go for a walk.”

Voice Quality: timbre(distinctive sound) and texture

It is a result of our physical vocal instrument, including diaphragm, vocal cords, lungs and body mass.

ex. warm, clear, soft, scratchy, mellow and breathy

Pitch and Inflection:

Pitch:is the “highness” or “lowness” of the voice

We have a range in tone

Inflections: variations, turns and slides in pitch to achieve the meaning

-the study of elocution formalizes the conventions of inflection

Rate of speaking:

 too slow: the speech may resemble a monotonous peal

 too fast: the articulation could suffer if consonants or vowels are dropped or rushed to keep up the speed. 

Audience is frustrated with either extreme

Pauses versus vocalized pauses:

-Pauses are used for punctuation and compression

Vocalized pauses or filters: pauses that are filled with “uh’s, “um’s,” etc. and should be avoided

Vocal projection:

Projection: The volume produced by the vocal instrument

-Everyone needs to hear you

-You need to practice, have good posture, and do vocal warm ups

12.4 Non-verbal aspects of delivery

Personal Appearance:

-dress to fit the situation

-Usually means to dress formally 

-But sometimes you can dress differently to enhance your speech such as wearing pjs to a speech about sleep deprivation

-In an interview always dress at the level of the interviewer

Movement and Gestures:

Movement should be relaxed and natural, not a response to nervousness

If movements and gestures seem artificial then you lose credibility

Facial expressions:

facial expression is a valid form of communication, it is integral to delivering a speech

-Should be natural and not artificial

Eye contact:

-solidifies the relationship between the speaker and audience

- to scan the audience making each member believe the speaker is speaking to him or her

Eye contact failures:

head bobber: This is a person who bobs his or her head looking down on the notes and up to the audience in an almost rhythmic pattern

balcony gazer: A person who looks over the heads of his or her audience to avoid looking at any individual

the obsessor: A person who looks at one or two audience members or who only looks in one direction

12.5 Mastering the Location

The Room:

-checkout/ test the room before you present, practice in the room

The podium:

-Test out the podium

-Approach with Confidence

-Plan where you will stand

The equipment:

Test all multimedia in the venue before to make sure it works such as slides

Using a Microphone:

-Test the microphone

-Note if you need to stand in one place or not

Water Rules:

-Only drink water, never ice water as it can shock the vocal cords and be a choking hazard

12.6 Preparation, Practice, and Delivery

Preparing Notes:

-Use note cards only written on one side

-Large enough words that you can read them

-No long sentences except statistics 

-Number Note Cards

-Practice with note cards

Rehearsing the Speech:

-Rehearse aloud with practice audience

-Time the speech to make sure it is long enough

-Plan what to do with your hands

-Memorize start and finish

A memorized introduction accomplishes: 

-gives you the opportunity to breathe, and realize it’s not so bad

-Second, it lets the audience know you are prepared. 

-Third, it signals to the audience that what you are about to say is important. 

-Finally, it gives you the opportunity for direct eye contact (because you are not reading) and commands the audience’s attention

Managing Stress:

Stress will affect performance ex. Sweat, go fast,etc

Exercise helps relieve tension

-Be well prepared and confident to relieve stress

-picture everyone naked

Delivering the Speech:

You have a responsibility as a speaker to “deliver” information that will help your audience or enlighten them in some way

12.7 Conclusion

Practice