Presenting Your Speech

Methods of Delivery• Impromptu Delivery• Manuscript Delivery• Memorized Delivery• Extemporaneous Delivery

Impromptu Delivery• Speech is given on the spur of the

moment with little or no preparation

Manuscript Delivery• Speech is written out completely and read to the audience

Memorized Delivery• Speech is written out and recited word for word (without using the script)

Extemporaneous Delivery• Speech is fully outlined and practiced, but not memorized

Stage Fright

Stage Fright

• The nervousness a speaker feels before and during the presentation of their speech

• A.K.A. Communication Apprehension

Stage Fright Facts

• Stage fright is normal. Even experienced speakers have stage fright.

• Some stage fright is beneficial.• The audience is not likely to notice

your nervousness.• Experience and practice will help

control stage fright.

Before your speech...• Prepare speech carefully and

completely• Look your best• Relax tense muscles (deep

breaths)• Give yourself a pep-talk• Be self-assured

During the speech

Queasy feeling, butterflies, sweaty palms, general weakness

• May feel strong at first, but it will lessen quickly once you begin• Ignore them! These have no direct effect on your delivery.

Dry Mouth• Licking lips and swallowing will not

diminish dryness but will detract from your appearance - SO DON’T DO IT!!

• Start slowly and know that the dryness in your mouth will subside.

Stumbling over words at the start• Word fumbles often result from

trying to recall the exact words you wrote to express an idea.

• Practice saying parts of your speech in different ways so you will feel comfortable with a variety of delivery styles.

Perspiration, Squeaky voice, Slight trembling• Ignore these!• Know that your body WILL return

to normal• Deep breaths before beginning will

help

Strong desire to quit• Finish your speech no matter how

painful the experience seems at the moment.

• You will build your confidence by proving to yourself that you can finish the speech.

Improving Nonverbal Behavior

Appearance• Appearance is how you look to

your audience• The two key factors are:

– Clothing– Grooming

Eye Contact• Eye contact is direct visual contact

with the eyes of members of your audience

• Look randomly at individuals throughout the entire audience

• Remember to divide the room into sections and make eye contact within each section

Facial Expressions• Facial expressions give clues to

your audience about the content of your speech.

• Concentrating on what you are saying rather than the fact that you are trying to give a speech will help you avoid the 2 common expression problems. They are:

• Deadpan- expressionless facial

appearance that never changes, regardless of what is being said

• Conflicting expression- facial appearance that does not match a speaker’s words or actual feelings

Effective Gestures• Use natural gestures, do not think,

“What should I do with my hands?”• Try not to have too many gestures

- they become distracting.

Good Posture• Good posture creates an

impression of confidence and authority.

• Stand straight with both feet firmly on the ground-never slump, slouch, or look sloppy.

Improving Vocal Skills

Enthusiasm• Enthusiasm is the strong positive

feelings speakers show for their topic.• You will be enthusiastic if you believe:

– Your topic is a good one– You have found excellent supporting

material– Your audience will be interested in the

material

Vocalized Pauses• Vocalized pauses are meaningless

speech sounds that speakers use to fill time (Uh, Umm…, Well..And..)

• Vocalized pauses are undesirable.

• Likely to be used when you are:– Unprepared– Searching for a “right” word– flustered or embarrassed– in too much of a hurry

How to decrease their use:• Find out whether you overuse

them (if the audience notices them, you are overusing them)

• Train your ear to hear your vocalized pauses– Practice and have a partner hold up

their hand every time you use a vocalized pause. By having your attention drawn to them, you will begin to tune your ear to them.

• Train yourself to speak with fewer vocalized pauses (Once you train yourself to limit their use during rehearsals, you will be able to limit their use during your speech.)

Articulation, Pronunciation, and Enunciation• Articulation- Shaping of distinct speech

sounds into recognizable words• Pronunciation- Grouping and accenting

of the sounds• Enunciation- Refers to the distinctness

of the sounds you make. Ex. “probly” rather than “probably”, “gimme” for “give me”

Improving Verbal Messages

Diction• Diction refers to both the words a

speaker selects and the specific ways in which the speaker uses these words

• Your words should be:– specific and concrete– vivid so it allows audience to picture what you

are saying– place emphasis on important things– Avoid cliches and slang words

Grammar• Grammar refers to the rules and

conventions for speaking and writing English

• Formal speeches require the use of Standard American English

No Slang!!!