Speaking Skills: Delivery

Sources: Guffey Ch. 15, Thill/Bovee Ch. 13, DiResta Ch. 6, Miller “Be Heard The First Time,” Gallo, “10 Simple Secrets of the World’s Greatest Communicators,” Halpern “Leadership Presence,” Fugere “Why Business People Speak Like Idiots,” and Margaret Keys Communication

Speech Delivery

Discussion: Communication Matters

Presenter BehaviorsHow do nonverbal elements of a

presentation impact speaker credibility?

Before You Begin1. BREATH

Breath through nose Keep jaw relaxed

(molars slightly apart) Place tongue tip lightly

behind upper or lower front teeth Use diaphram to inhale (belly breaths)

2. Welcome physical excitement signals3. Constrict then release tense muscles4. Practice first few lines5. Repeat positive affirmations

Take the Stage1. Walk confidently to speaking

position Neck/shoulders down Breast bone pulled forward

like a kite Gliding, swinging arms naturally Ground yourself

2. Connect with eye contact, smile

3. Say, “Good Morning/ afternoon”

4. Pause for response

Visual Delivery: Do Stand up straight, stable stance Zone-based eye contact Express real emotion

SMILE! Be enthusiastic/passionate Move with purpose

(e.g. toward audience to increase energy, sideways to change subjects)

Expand your gesturesavoid “penguin arms”

Eliminate “adapters” (self-comforting behaviors)

Visual Delivery: Don’t Look over audiences’ heads, at

wall/floor, or allow eyes to ‘dart’ Put hands in pockets or behind back Clasp hands, pull on fingers Stand with weight on one

foot, sway, figit, pace Adjust clothing Touch hair or scratch Turn your back to

the audience

Vocal Delivery

Do’s Breath support Vary intonation, rate, volume Project and enunciate Be declaritive Use your voice to create meaning

Smile with voice, Reflect appropriate emotionUse silence

Vocal Delivery

Don’ts Speak in monotone or without

emphasis and affect Mumble or mispronounce words Go too fast or too slow Continually clear throat Use interrogative style

Taylor Mali recording

Vocal Delivery: Intonation and InflectionRead with flat affect, then with animation: How could you possibly say that I would never consider it That dress is stunning I think I’ve finally found Mr. Right Leave now and never come back I love everything about you I despise everything

you stand for

Vocal Delivery: Emphasis

Read with emphasis on underlined words:

1. When we persuade others, we often have to convince ourselves

2. “Personally, I am always willing to learn, although I do not always like being taught” Winston Churchill

3. “Public speaking training is not eliminating the butterflies, it is getting them to fly in formation” Toastmaster’s International

Verbal Delivery: Word Choice

Do’s Use specific, precise words Use vivid words and action words Use short, simple words sprinkled with

appropriate professional vocabulary Use strong speech (declaratives) Ignore stumbles - keep going

Verbal Delivery:Word Choice

Don’ts Use fillers (be silent instead) Use slang Apologize Minimize or use tentative

statements I’m not sure In my opinion

Overcoming Stage Fright

Symptoms of Stage Fright

Stomach butterflies Pounding heart Shortage of breath Sweaty palms Dry throat Unsteady voice Trembling hands Wobbly knees Tied tongue

Ways to Overcome Stage Fright Visualization, positive self-talk Focus on message/audience,

not on yourself Convert fear into anticipation/

enthusiasm Prepare 150 percent BREATH

belly breaths 2-5 minutes Rescue Remedy/Valerian Root

Resources for Improving Speaking Skills

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

Get honest, constructive feedback

Resources for Improving Speaking Skills

Books (see Amazon.com) Toastmasters (cost: dues) Acting classes (voice coaching) Courses/Seminars (cost: varies) Private speech coach (e.g. Margaret

Keyes cost: $500-$1000+)

Video

End