Chapter 20
Choose and Rehearse a Method of
Delivery
and
Chapter 21
Use 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 Use motivated movement.
Don’t shift weight or sway.
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