The Elements Of Delivering A Successful Speech

The Elements of Delivering a Successful Speech

Table of Contents

Choosing a Method of Delivery

Monitoring the Voice

Controlling Body Language

Using Visual Aids

Choosing a Method of Delivery

Basic Methods of Speech

Speaking from a Manuscript

Speaking from Memory

Speaking Impromptu

Speaking Extemporaneously

Speaking from Manuscript

Reading part or all of your speech from a fully prepared text

When precise wording is necessary: To avoid being misquoted or misinterpreted You need to communicate exact descriptions or

directions

Speaking from Memory

Memorizing part or all of your speech

When you must deliver a short special-occasion speech such as:

A toast An introduction If you plan on using direct quotations

Speaking Impromptu

Organizing your thoughts with little or no preparation time

When you’re called to speak without prior planning or preparation

Speaking Extemporaneously

Developing your speech in a working outline

Practicing and delivering with a phrase, or key-word outline

When you have time to prepare and practice developing a speech, which will achieve natural conversational style

Monitoring the Voice

Elements of Vocal Delivery

Volume and pitch: The relative loudness of a speaker’s voice while delivering a

speech Use a loud, clear speaking volume, adjusting to environment:

size of the room number of people in the audience Whether or not you use a microphone Be alert to audience feedback

Vary Intonation: The range of voice, from high to low Expresses enthusiasm, commitment and excitement in

your speech No variety of pitch leads to a monotone, failing speech

Elements of Vocal Delivery (cont…)

Speaking Rate: The pace at which you convey your speech Be alert to audience, and speak at a steady, comfortable,

yet enthusiastic pace

Pause: Don’t cram words and sentences together Pause between main thoughts and ideas:

This emphasizes a point Draws attention Allows the audience to contemplate what is being said

Elements of Vocal Delivery (cont…)

Pronunciation: The correct formation of word sounds Be sure to know the correct pronunciation of all the

words in your speech: Using different dialects Speaking in a foreign language Introducing someone’s name, a country, etc.

Articulation: The clarity or forcefulness with which sounds are made. Poor articulation is a habit of lazy speech:

Mumbling, slurring words together • (ex. shoulda, coulda, wanna,)

Controlling Body Language

Pay Attention to Body Language

Audiences immediately observe the speaker’s body language:

Facial expressions, eye behavior, gestures and general body movements

Use natural, animated facial expressions to represent the emotion of your speech

Maintain eye contactUse natural gestures that are engaging, and

enhance your speechBe aware of overall body movement:

Control nervous habits (fumbling fingers, swaying, touching hair)

Use the space around you, don’t stand like a statue

Using Visual Aids

Presentation Aids

Visual aids help listeners to understand and remember key points

Studies show people remember about 30% of what they hear, and 60% of what they see

Select an appropriate visual aid: Props, models, graphs, charts, video, audio, power point

Select the aid, or combination of aids that will effectively enhance your speech

Presentation Aids (cont…)

Designing Presentations: Strive for simplicity One major point per aid State your points in short phrases Be uniform in applying the same design to all your aids

Rehearsing: Rehearse the speech with the presentation aid(s) In your speaker’s notes, cue each aid to where you want

to introduce it

Good luck to all of you future speakers of

America!