Page 77 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

44 Part 1 Foundations

A good rule of
thumb for classroom
speeches is to dress in
business casual attire.

to make a fi rst impression.” In no case should your dress detract from the mes-
sage you want to convey.

Methods of Delivery

There are four common ways to deliver a speech:
• Write out a manuscript and read it to your audience.
• Memorize your speech and recite it from memory.
• Present a spontaneous, unrehearsed impromptu presentation.
• Combine preparation and spontaneity in an extemporaneous presentation.
Each type of delivery has its advantages and limitations.

Manuscript Delivery
When a speaker uses manuscript delivery, the speech is written out com-
manuscript delivery
pletely and read to the audience. Few speakers are very good at reading a
A mode of presentation speech. In fact, except for politicians and other offi cials who rely on ghostwriters
that involves writing out
a speech completely to prepare their speeches, most of us will not have occasion to give a manuscript
and reading it to the speech.
audience. Though it might seem easy to write out your speech in advance and read it to
the audience, this is easier said than done. One disadvantage of written speeches
is that most people don’t write as they speak. Speeches delivered from a manu-
script can have an artificial quality. Sentences are often too long and complex.

The audience loses track of the point being made. “Oral essays” tend not to be
an effective way to communicate with an audience.