The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

SUCCEEDING WITH FORMAL SPEECHES / 351

Adapting your delivery style

Even though you will probably be reading

your speech, look for different ways in

which you can show personality and

commitment to your message. Use hand

gestures as you would naturally when

you speak, to emphasize your points. A

simple device such as this will help to

keep things interesting for your audience.

Don’t feel you have to read each word

or phrase exactly as written. You should

feel free to depart from your speech as

required; this will give your delivery a

much more spontaneous feel. Aim for

a style of delivery that does not call

attention to itself, but that conveys your

ideas clearly and precisely without

distracting the audience.

Break up your

sentences more

than usual so you

can deliver them

more easily.

Write delivery

reminders to

yourself on your

script—for

example, highlight

words you want

to emphasize or

write in “pause”

to remind yourself

of pacing.

Err on the side

of brevity.

Practice your

speech until

it becomes

second nature

to you.

Tips for speaking with confidence

US_350-351_Succeeding_speeches.indd 351 30/05/16 3:06 pm