Methods of Delivery 13.2 257
Methods of Delivery
13.2 Identify and describe four methods of delivery.
The style of delivery you choose will influence your nonverbal behaviors. There
are four basic methods of delivery from which a speaker can choose: manuscript
speaking, memorized speaking, impromptu speaking, and extemporaneous
speaking. They are summarized in Table 13.1 at the end of this section. Let’s
consider each in some detail.
Manuscript Speaking
You have a speech to present and are afraid that you will forget what you have
prepared to say. So you write your speech and then read it to your audience.
Speech teachers frown on this approach, particularly for public-speaking stu-
dents. Reading is usually a poor way to deliver a speech. Although it may pro-
vide some insurance against forgetting the speech, manuscript speaking is
rarely done well enough to be interesting. You have probably attended a lecture
that was read and wondered, “Why doesn’t he just make a copy of the speech
for everyone in the audience rather than reading it to us?”
Need for cAreful crAftINg Despite the drawback of manuscript speak-
ing, however, some speeches should be read. One advantage of reading from
a manuscript is that you can choose words very carefully when dealing with a
sensitive and critical issue. The president of the United States, for example, often
finds it useful to have his remarks carefully scripted.
When possible, during times of crisis, statements to the press by govern-
ment, education, or business leaders should be carefully crafted rather than
tossed off casually. Although there are times when it is impossible to have a
manuscript speech at hand, an inaccurate or misspoken statement could have
serious consequences.
13.2
Quick check
The Power of Speech Delivery
Nonverbal communication:
• creates a majority of the meaning of a speech.
• disappoints audiences when it violates their expectations.
• communicates almost all the emotion in a speech.
• can help listeners “catch” the speaker’s feelings.
• is often more believable than words.