Public Speaking

Select the Appropriate Type of Delivery (^183)
A RECENT TOP TEN list of good speakers placed Michelle Obama as number
one. Other notables included Florida senator Marco Rubio, Olympic gold
medalist Missy Franklin, Yahoo CEO Melissa Meyer, and, of course, Bill Clinton.
The bottom ten included Vice President Joe Biden, Zynga’s CEO Mark Pincus,
and Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lotche. Top ten speakers combine credible
messages with passion and energy to connect with audiences. Those in the
lowest ten had distracting mannerisms; one smiled too often and inappropriately,
another spoke in monotones with “ums” and “uhs,” and still another appeared
unlikable and unrelatable. Content is important, but delivery sets some speakers
apart.^1
Delivery—how you perform your speech—is the topic of this chapter.
It first elaborates on the four major types of delivery introduced in Chapter 2,
delivery the verbal and non-
verbal behaviors you use to
perform your speech
giving tips for developing skills in each one. Next it describes nonverbal elements—
personal appearance, movements or mannerisms, and vocal variations—that can
enhance or detract from your words. The goal throughout is to help you present your
speech skillfully and appropriately.

Select the Appropriate Type of Delivery

Chapter 2 introduced the four major types of delivery: manuscript, memorized,

impromptu, and extemporaneous. Each has its place, and each comes with suggestions

for effective use.

Manuscript Delivery

Manuscript delivery—writing out the entire speech and reading it—is especially useful

in formal situations, where precise wording matters or the speech is significant. You’ll

hear it for ceremonial speeches such as eulogies, awards, or important political speeches.

Manuscripts are also good for radio or television speeches where exact timing is essen-

tial. Finally, speakers who suffer severe speech anxiety often find that a manuscript mini-

mizes their fears.

Although written speeches can be information rich, they can be boring if read in a

way that does not engage the audience. Most classroom and workplace situations rec-

ommend a more engaging method.^2

For competent manuscript delivery,^3 first write out the speech word for word in an

oral style, using short sentences and fragments and incorporating personalized language

and rhetorical questions that connect with the audience.

Rehearse by reading each sentence aloud several times, absorbing the meaning of

each phrase. Next, read the entire manuscript aloud and highlight or underline ideas that

need emphasis. Use slashes to show pauses. Finally, read the manuscript again, empha-

sizing words, pausing, and looking up as much as possible. Go back and change any

wording that does not sound conversational.^4 Because most people don’t like speeches

that sound “read,” practice until you can give the speech in a natural manner. Type your

final script in a large boldfaced font (20 points), using double or triple spacing and num-

bering each page.^5

When you are totally familiar with your text, plan how you’ll use the manuscript.

With a podium, place your sheets of paper high enough on it so that you can see the

words without lowering your head too much.^6 When you deliver the speech, keep two

pages visible (like an open book). Read from the page on the right, and when you fin-

ish it, slide the page on the left over it and continue without a break. If you don’t have a

podium, put the manuscript in a dark folder or clipboard or write it out on your digital

tablet.

Your online resources for this book include several sites that show manuscript deliv-

ery. Barbara Jordan’s keynote address at the 1976 Democratic National Convention,

Barbara Bush’s address at Wellesley College, and every important presidential address

you find there features manuscript delivery.

Memorized Delivery

Memorized delivery was the norm in classical Rome, where orators learned their

speeches word for word. Orators in oral cultures still memorize their tribe’s stories

and legends, a tradition that ensures that the exact stories are preserved throughout

Read, highlight, and take

notes online.

manuscript delivery reading

a speech

Web Link

memorized delivery learn-

ing the speech by heart, then

reciting it

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