Public Speaking

ChaPter 14 Delivering Your Speech

succeeding generations. Memorized speeches are uncommon in today’s classrooms or

workplaces, although professional speakers who repeatedly give the same talk eventually

know it by heart. Students on speech teams often memorize the speeches they deliver

dozens of times in competitive tournaments.

Some students believe that memorizing their speeches will help them overcome

their fears. Unfortunately, the opposite often happens. Standing in front of an audience,

a beginning speaker’s mind can easily go blank. I once met an older woman who viv-

idly remembered her college speech class. She said she was scared to death to give her

speech on the topic of spanking, so she decided to memorize it. Unfortunately, memory

failed her, and her resulting embarrassment followed her for more than fifty years.

Another drawback is that memorized speeches can sound “recited,” not natural or

conversational. Instead of engaging the audience, the speaker appears to focus on the

speech. If you ever give the same speech repeatedly, the key is to treat each audience and

occasion as unique, so that you don’t just recite words.

If for some reason you must memorize a speech, here are some tips:^7 Write out your

talk using oral style. Vivid language, such as alliterated main points or parallel wording,

can aid your memory.^8 Learn your speech line by line first and then chunk by chunk, all

the time thinking about the meaning. Practice speaking conversationally—as if you are

talking to each audience member individually. Finally, put key terms on note cards in

case you find yourself stumbling.

Impromptu Delivery

Impromptu speeches are given with little advanced notice; consequently, this mode

takes the least amount of preparation and rehearsal. However, your life, your knowl-

edge, or your experiences usually prepare you to make the speech. In fact, people are

rarely, if ever, asked to talk about totally unfamiliar subjects. For example, you may sud-

denly decide to say a few words at a farewell party. You don’t have time to write out a

speech and practice it. Instead, you quickly think of something relevant to say about the

person who’s leaving.

impromptu delivery speak-
ing with little advanced
preparation

Today’s speakers can write
out their speeches or notes
on a digital tablet or cell
phone and use them instead
of sheets of paper or cards
when they deliver their
speeches.

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