Chapter 20Choose and Rehearse a Method of Delivery

and

Chapter 21Use Your Body and Voice Effectively

Why Is Delivery Important? Delivery: The way you communicate

messages orally and visually through your use of voice, face, and body. Approximately 55-90% of the meaning listeners grasp is from delivery.

Delivery can make an adequate speech seem great to the listeners.

An excellent speech can fail to reach the listeners because of ineffective delivery.

Distinguish Among Methods of Delivery

Impromptu – deliver on the spot with little or no preparation

Scripted (Manuscript) – composed word for word on a manuscript and read aloud exactly as written.

Memorized – composed word for word and then delivered from memory.

Extemporaneous – combination of the above methods. It is carefully prepared to sound natural and conversational. This is the best delivery method.

Methods of Delivery

Benefits and Drawbacks of Four Methods of Delivery

  Benefits Drawbacks

Impromptu Requires little preparation; often makdes the speaker sound more genuine

Can be stressful because of lack of preparation time and the pressure of having to think on the

spot

Scripted (Manuscript)Provides maximum control over verbal content; ensures that the speaker always knows what to

say

Takes much time to prepare; can be distracting for the speaker and audience; can cause

speaker's nonverbal behaviors to suffer; no eye contact

Memorized Allows a high level of control over verbal

content; requires no notes so the speraker can use natural gestures and maintain eye contact

Requres considerable effort to write and memorize; can sound unnatural and insincere;

can cause embarrassement if the speaker's memory fails during delivery

Extemporaneou Allows for the use of notes while making the speaker sound conversational and natural

Takes time to prepare; requires practice

Get Comfortable with Impromptu speaking

Don’t panic Think in Threes Draw from what has happened

(draw attention to experiences you have in common with your listeners)

Be brief

Qualities of Effective Delivery

Nonverbal delivery should reinforce verbal message. You should sound as if you are talking with your

listeners rather than speaking to them. Strive for naturalness.

Show enthusiasm. Show confidence. Be direct. You should avoid delivery behaviors that distract or

contradict your message. Your delivery should be “dramatic” but not “theatrical.”

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery

Nonverbal Communication: Clarifies the meaning of a verbal message Facilitates feedback Establishes a relationship between speaker

and audience Establishes speaker credibility

Conversational Style Conversational: You seem

spontaneous and natural despite having practiced your speech.

Your goal is to communicate with your audience rather than speak to them.

Voice Paralanguage: The use of voice to convey

nonverbal meaning. Volume (How loudly or softly you speak)

Pitch (The highness or lowness of your voice.)

Rate (most speakers speak 120-150 wpm)

Pauses (avoid vocalized pauses… “um”)

Articulation (The act of speaking clearly and distinctly)

Pronunciation (know how to pronounce all words.)

Use Vocal Variety!

Pay Attention to Body Movement

Animate facial Expressions - Smile!

Maintain Eye Contact – You should look at the eyes of your audience members 90% of your speech!

Use natural gestures - Keep hands out of pockets! Don’t cross arms. Don’t grip podium!

Be aware of body movement - Don’t shift weight or sway. Use motivated movement.

Facial Expressions Facial Expressions: The use of the

face to express a wide variety of emotions.

Facial expressions reinforce the emotional content of your speech.

Effective facial expressions appear natural, lively, and spontaneous.

Eye Contact Eyes are probably the most important source

of nonverbal communication. Attempt to look at your audience at least 90%

of the time. Span the entire audience. Look listeners in the eye.

Body Movement

Motivated Movement: Reinforces the meaning of your speech by emphasizing points, referencing presentational aids, and clarifying structure.

You should plan and practice your use of movement.

Never turn your back to the audience!

Dress Appropriately

Object language: The ways appearance communicates meaning to listeners. Looking like a professional tends to improve

speaker credibility (Bate, 1992; Cherulnik, 1989; Lawrence & Watson, 1991; Molloy, 1975; Temple & Loewen, 1993).

Appearance should aid your message and not distract from it.

Consider how your audience will be dresesd.

A Checklist for Appearance Avoid extremes. Consider the audience and occasion

when picking your clothing and other appearance related items.

Consider your topic and purpose.

Practice Delivery

Practice! Practice! Practice! Record yourself! Practice under realistic conditions! Practice with note cards. Practice in front of friends! Time yourself! Visualize the setting where you will speak