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Methods of Delivery

A speaker can deliver a presentation in four different ways: the extemporaneous method, theimpromptu method, the manuscript method, and the memorized method. Circumstancesusually dictate the appropriateness of a particular method. However, you also should consideryour individual style and skills in order to select the most effective method for a particularsituation.

Extemporaneous Speaking

Most dictionaries define the word "extemporaneous" as unplanned or impromptu. n thiscourse, however, we make a clear distinction !etween extemporaneous and impromptudelivery.

he extemporaneous speaker carefully prepares the presentation !ut delivers the material in aspontaneous, conversational manner that hi#hli#hts natural interaction with the audience.

$xtemporaneous speakers word the key ideas of the presentation to maximize clarity andimpact, !ut do not write the entire speech word for word.

$xtemporaneous speakers select the actual wordin# of supportin# material as they delivertheir presentations.

$xtemporaneous speakers sometimes memorize the speech introduction and conclusion, !utcarefully adapt to the audience durin# the !ody of the speech. Althou#h some words andsentences may !e misspoken or spoken less elo%uently than possi!le, the advanta#es ofnatural spontaneity, audience adaptation, and attention value outwei#h the disadvanta#es ofthe method.

f the audience appears confused or skeptical, extemporaneous delivery will allow you toprovide additional support to clarify or su!stantiate your ideas.

f the audience appears to readily understand or accept an idea, extemporaneous delivery willallow you to omit some of the support you were prepared to use. nstead, you will !e a!le toexpand su!se%uent portions of your presentation.

f an interruption occurs, extemporaneous delivery will allow you to deal !riefly with thedistraction and proceed with your prepared material. Additionally, extemporaneous deliverywill allow you to adapt to comments or events that occurred !efore your presentation.

&ecause extemporaneous delivery is the most effective method of delivery in the ma'ority ofpresentational settin#s, most !asic pu!lic speakin# courses emphasize mastery of this style.

Impromptu Speaking

(hen you talk "off the top)of)the)head," you are usin# impromptu delivery. *ituationsre%uirin# impromptu remarks are %uite common. n decision)makin# meetin#s you may findyourself explainin# or ar#uin# for positions. n interviews or after a presentation, you may findyourself providin# an extended answer to a %uestion. +rom time to time, you will find yourself

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"sayin# a few words" at an or#anizational event. ccasionally, you will find yourself explainin#a pro!lem with a product or service to a representative of a company or professionalor#anization.

n one way, a lifetime of experience and the resultin# knowled#e you possess comprise yourpreparation for impromptu speakin#.

-our success in impromptu situations can !e enhanced if you apply the pu!lic speakin#principles and skills appropriate in any presentational settin#.

$ven on the spur of the moment you can %uickly review the #oals of a speech introduction andattempt to meet them.

-ou can limit your comments to clearly stated and or#anized points that you develop withsupportin# material.

-ou can incorporate transitions to si#nal the lo#ical f low of your ideas.

-ou can summarize your points or choose another closin# techni%ue.

*eemin#ly impromptu situations sometimes result in extemporaneous speakin#.

$ffective communicators usually prepare extensively for an interview !y anticipatin# likely%uestions and preparin# concise, purposeful answers and selectin# appropriate supportin#materials to develop key points.

(hen mem!ers of the print or electronic media ask %uestions, politicians and representativesof causes and institutions fre%uently use the %uestions as sprin#!oards for makin# the pointsthey wish to convey to readers, listeners or viewers.

*imilarly, you can anticipate likely %uestions and prepare effective answers !efore interviewin#for a position or respondin# to %uestions on !ehalf of an or#anization to which you !elon#.

Speaking from Manuscript

(hen you write out a presentation fully and deliver it word)for)word, you are speakin# frommanuscript.

*peakin# from manuscript may !e the most appropriate method of delivery when the speakermust !e very careful a!out what is said.

*peakin# from manuscript is often appropriate whenever poorly worded ideas or

misstatements may have serious ne#ative conse%uences for #overnments, !usinesses, or evenindividuals.

*peakers fre%uently use manuscripts when they must o!serve strict time limits, such as inhearin#s or on television.

&ecause of the need for coordination at complex or formal events, such as a colle#e#raduation, an entire ceremony may !e delivered from manuscript.

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*peakin# from manuscript poses ma'or challen#es for speakers.

he speaker should read the manuscript enthusiastically and expressively to enhance itsmeanin#.

he speaker should !e familiar enou#h with the manuscript to maintain appropriate eye

contact and to #esture freely.

he speaker should write the manuscript in effective oral, not written, style.

Speaking from Memory

*peakin# from memory involves deliverin# a manuscript without notes.

*eldom does a speakin# situation warrant the time and effort necessary to memorize apresentation.

A common reason for memorizin# a presentation is that the speaker plans to deliver thespeech several times for example in a political campai#n or a sales promotion/.

*peakers fre%uently memorize short, formal speeches such as eulo#ies, introductions ofspeakers, toasts, and acceptance speeches.

hrou#h memorization, many novice speakers attempt to pass off a scripted speech as anextemporaneous speech. his practice can !e dan#erous.

Memory lapses can result in lon# silences that prove uncomforta!le for the speaker and theaudience.

As when speeches are recited, the lan#ua#e of manuscript can sound stilted and the deliverycan sound non)conversational.

*peakers who are fi#htin# to remem!er the exact wordin# of their speeches seldom have theener#y to perceive the reactions of their audiences let alone to adapt to audience reactions.