The Basics of Speech

Chapter 12: Delivering the Speech

Overview

The success of your speech depends on what you say and also on how you say it. Your delivery—the way you use your voice and body to present a speech—includes your confidence, methods and delivery, personal delivery, rehearsal of the speech, and use of media aids. To develop self-confidence, you should learn how to think on your feet. There are four methods of delivery: extemporaneous, manuscript, memorized, and impromptu. When using the extemporaneous method, you use a prepared outline but do not plan each word or sentence. When using the manuscript method, you write out the entire speech and deliver it from your typed or handwritten paper. When using the memorized method, you write out a manuscript and memorize it word for word. When using the impromptu method, you talk without notes and with very little preparation.

You also need to control the nonverbal aspects, or personal delivery, of your speech. Personal delivery involves how you use your appearance, voice, facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, and body movements during your speech. In final preparation, you must rehearse your speech by ordering the ideas in your mind, polishing your delivery, and preparing media aids that support your message.