DELIVERY

4 Types of Delivery Style

The four most common delivery styles for public speaking include speaking from memory, speaking impromptu, speaking from a manuscript, and extemporaneous speaking.

 Memorizing speeches were widely practiced before writing became popular or practiced. Also, memorizing requires – delivery from memory, weeks or months of practices required to ensure there is smooth transition in the delivery.

 Impromptu speaking, something that almost all of us would have experienced! Impromptu speaking requires the speaker delivers without little to no preparation at all. We find ourselves in this situation during classes, offices, or some family occasions.

TIPS!!!

There is a short script (or variation of a script) that you can follow:

(1) Express thankfulness for the opportunity to speak.

(2) Rephrase the question in your own words.

(3) Answer the question to the best of your availability.

(4) Briefly explain how your answer speaks to the question.

Remember, if you cannot answer the question in step three, then be honest, say that you do not have an adequate answer. It is fine.

Manuscript speaking requires the speaker reads every word from a pre-written speech. This delivery style is appropriate when the speaking occasion demands accuracy of information and/or eloquence. News anchors speak from manuscript to deliver the evening news (the manuscript scrolls on a screen beneath the television camera), and politicians often do as well.

TIPS!!!

When speaking from manuscript it is important to follow a few guidelines:

(1) Type your manuscript in all-caps.

(2) Double-space between paragraphs.

(3) Use italics and bold to emphasize words and phrases, and above all else.

(4) Rehearse speaking from the manuscript several times so that you can maintain good eye-contact with the audience when you speak.

 

Extemporaneous speaking is considered the most effective speaking style. When delivering in an extemporaneous speaking style the speaker prepares well (with an outline) and practice in advance, giving full attention to all the facets of the speech—content, arrangement, and delivery.

In this speaking style, you research topic thoroughly, construct an outline that forces you to think through your main points and sub points as complete thoughts, and then deconstruct this sentence outline so that it serves as your keyword, key-phrase speaking notes.

You thereby internalize your speech without quite memorizing it, and your notes are sparse so that you are not tempted to merely read the speech to your audience.

The result is a delivery that harnesses the energy of spontaneity, dynamism, has a sense of immediacy, and is thus a more engaging experience for your audience.

Remember, there is no absolute recipe for good delivery. As individuals, we are unique in our own way, embody different experiences and interests. Even then, we are obligated to give the best and respect our audience and their needs. Well, there are some tools that can help us with good delivery, as time passes by we can figure out which combination is most effective for us.

Tools for Good Delivery

Now, a good delivery is a process of presenting a clear, coherent message in interesting way. As mentioned earlier, there are tools that we can use to practice good delivery and they are:

1.       Conversational style – ability to sound expressive, and to be perceived as natural by audience.

2.       Eye contact – ability to have absolute visual contact with everyone in the audience.

3.       Vocalics – uses voice to communicate (speak loudly, pronounce, and enounce clearly, vocal variety and appropriate pitch and pauses.)

4.       Body language – posture, hand gestures, movements of body.

5.       Facial expression – to avoid no facial expression and overly done facial expression.

6.       Self-presentation – energy, stage presence, dressing.

7.       Practice effectively – do not hesitate to practice, get comfortable with the speech text and goal.

Good delivery is a habit. Your public speaking is one of the best opportunities you will have to manage your performance anxiety, build your confidence in speaking extemporaneously, develop your vocal skills, and become adept at self-presentation.

The habits you can develop through targeted practice are to build continuously on your strengths and to challenge yourself to find new areas for improving your delivery. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you will gain the ability to present a speech effectively whenever you may be called upon to speak publicly.