9.1 The Importance of Delivery

9.1 The Importance of Delivery

“According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

– Jerry Seinfeld –

Understanding the Fear of Public Speaking

It’s often said—sometimes humorously—that people fear public speaking more than death. While this claim appears dramatic, it’s also misleading. The anxiety associated with public speaking typically centers not on the preparation phase—such as researching or writing the speech—but on the act of delivering it. Ironically, delivery is the shortest part of the entire speech-making process, yet it tends to provoke the most apprehension.

To illustrate this, consider two students: Bobby and Chris.

Bobby dedicates several weeks to researching and crafting a well-organized, thoughtful speech. On presentation day, nerves get the best of her, and she stumbles through parts of her delivery. Despite her self-perceived failure, her audience still benefits from the valuable content she shares. Most listeners are empathetic, recognizing that public speaking can be nerve-wracking.

Chris, in contrast, does minimal preparation. He relies on his natural charisma and ease in front of an audience, delivering a speech that is engaging but lacks substance. While his confidence may be memorable, the audience walks away unclear about his message and may even question his credibility.

The takeaway? A well-prepared speech that is delivered imperfectly still communicates meaningful content. Conversely, a poorly prepared speech—no matter how smoothly delivered—fails to inform or persuade. Substance matters.

The Role of Delivery in Public Speaking

Despite the disproportionate fear surrounding delivery, this chapter is designed to help you approach it with confidence. Our goal is to demystify the process and equip you with strategies to reduce nervousness and enhance your performance.

First, let’s dispel a common myth: public speaking is not simply reading aloud or talking casually. You already know how to read, and you certainly know how to talk. That’s why this course is called Public Speaking, not Public Reading or Public Talking.

Public speaking occupies a unique space between casual conversation and formal reading. It requires more structure and professionalism than everyday dialogue, but it also allows for more flexibility and expressiveness than reading from a script.

Finding the Right Level of Formality

When speaking publicly, you should present yourself professionally. This doesn’t necessarily mean wearing formal attire unless required by your instructor. However, it does mean being well-groomed, wearing clean and appropriate clothing, and demonstrating respect for your audience through your appearance and demeanor.

Professionalism also extends to your language. Use vocabulary that suits your topic and audience, maintain eye contact, and speak with confidence and clarity. These elements signal that you are knowledgeable and prepared.

Unlike reading, speaking allows for natural variation—pauses, vocal emphasis, and slight adjustments in phrasing. These features make your message more engaging and help you connect with your audience. Think of skilled speakers you admire: their delivery is often animated, expressive, and tailored to their listeners.