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Boundless Communications
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Communications

Chapter 12

Delivering the Speech

Book Version 5
By Boundless
Boundless Communications
Communications
by Boundless
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Section 1
Methods of Delivery
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Defining a Successful Delivery

Delivery is "real" when the speaker is honest and talks with the audience without acting.

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Choosing Your Method of Delivery

Speakers may or may not be able to choose a delivery method, but keeping best speech practices in mind leads to success in each situation.

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Speaking from a Manuscript

Your manuscript delivery method will vary depending on whether the manuscript is your own or someone else's.

Speaking from Memory

It to your advantage to memorize your speech in some situations, and a distracting disadvantage in others.

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Impromptu Speeches

An impromptu speech is given with little or no preparation, usually about a topic that the speaker knows well.

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Extemporaneous Speeches

Extemporaneous, the most natural method of delivery, involves glancing at notes while maintaining crucial eye contact with the audience.

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Key Differences Between Prepared and Impromptu Speeches

The key difference between a prepared and impromptu speech is the amount of time given to the speaker to rehearse and prepare.

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Additional Notes on Preparing and Delivering Impromptu Speeches

An impromptu speech is given with little or no preparation, but the presenter is usually very knowledgeable about the subject matter.

Section 2
Speaking in the Real World
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Practical Tips for Speaking in Non-Academic Settings

Non-academic speeches still require understanding your audience, adequate preparation, structure and a mindfulness of the occasion.

Section 3
Effective Vocal Delivery
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Volume

Speakers control the production of sound either using their own voice or a microphone so that amplified sound is loud enough to be heard.

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Rate

Rate is the speed of speaking in words per minute from slow to fast, with normal rate averaging about 125 words per minute.

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Pitch

Changing the pitch while speaking can convey shades of meaning such as emphasis or surprise, or distinguish a statement from a question.

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Pauses

A speaker may use pauses to enhance the message delivery; a speaker may also user filler words and pauses that distract from the message.

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Articulation and Pronunciation

Articulation focuses on making individual sounds and pronunciation focuses on stress, rhythm, and intonation of the syllables in the word.

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Dialect and Vocal Variety

Speakers may use many different English dialects to change the pitch, rate, volume, and use of pauses to achieve vocal variety.

Section 4
Effective Visual Delivery
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Appearance: Dress and Posture

First impressions count: dressing appropriately for the occasion and using an open posture can improve the visual delivery of a speech.

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Eye Contact and Facial Expression

Eye contact and facial expressions provide important social and emotional information to the audience.

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Movement and Gesture

Natural body movements and gestures can strengthen and enhance the message but repetitive, unnecessary movements can distract from delivery.

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Adapting to Handouts and Visuals

Visual aids can play a large role in how the audience understands and processes the information that is presented.

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Proxemics

Social distance between people is reliably correlated with physical distance: intimate, personal, social and public.

Section 5
Interaction in Public Speaking
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Interaction in Public Speaking

Interaction in public speaking is vital to keeping your audience engaged and involved with your content and with you as speaker.

Section 6
Rehearsing the Speech
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The Importance of Rehearsing

Rehearsal provides opportunities to apply knowledge to practice different parts, see what works, and then put it together for a total speech.

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Successful Rehearsing Habits: Mimic Timing and Context

Get in the habit of rehearsing all parts of the speech before delivery and revising as necessary.

Section 7
Managing Q&A
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Preparing for a Q&A Session

Spend time anticipating potential questions and preparing responses to them ahead of time; work with colleagues or friends to practice.

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Conducting a Q&A Session

Q&A occurs at the end of an in-person speech or at any point in time with larger, remote audiences using Twitter, SMS texting, or email.

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Q&A Considerations in Non-Academic Environments

The key to a successful Q&A session is effective communication with the audience.

You are in this book
Boundless Communications by Boundless
Previous Chapter
Chapter 11
Wording the Speech
  • Understanding Language
  • Variations in Language
  • Using Language Effectively
  • Deploying Style Effectively
  • Understanding Bias in Language
Current Chapter
Chapter 12
Delivering the Speech
  • Methods of Delivery
  • Speaking in the Real World
  • Effective Vocal Delivery
  • Effective Visual Delivery
  • Interaction in Public Speaking
and 2 more sections...
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Chapter 13
Informative Speaking
  • Introduction to Informative Speaking
  • Effective Informative Speaking
  • Sample Informative Speech
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