9.2 Methods of Speech Delivery

9.2 Methods of Speech Delivery

What follows are four methods of delivery that can help you balance between too much and too little formality when giving a speech. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but you will most likely want to focus on the extemporaneous approach, since that is probably what your instructor will want from you.

Methods of Speech Delivery

When preparing to deliver a speech, it’s important to strike a balance between excessive formality and casual informality. There are four primary methods of delivery, each with its own advantages and limitations. While all are useful in different contexts, your instructor will most likely expect you to focus on extemporaneous speaking, which is the most common and effective method in classroom and professional settings.

1. Impromptu Speaking

Impromptu speaking involves delivering a message without prior preparation. You’ve likely engaged in impromptu speaking in everyday conversations—introducing yourself in a group setting or responding to a question like, “What did you think of the movie?” These moments require you to organize your thoughts and speak on the spot.

In more formal contexts, impromptu speaking might occur unexpectedly—for example, if your supervisor asks you to provide a project update during a meeting without warning.

Advantages:

• Spontaneous and responsive
• Can feel natural and conversational

Disadvantages:

• Limited time to organize thoughts
• Risk of disorganized or unclear messaging

Tips for Effective Impromptu Speaking:

1. Pause briefly to gather your thoughts.
2. Acknowledge the invitation to speak without apologizing or expressing discomfort.
3. State your main point clearly and concisely.
4. Stay focused on the prompt or question.
5. Use structure when possible (e.g., “Three key points…” or “Past, present, future…”).
6. Conclude gracefully by thanking the audience.
7. Avoid rambling—end your speech with intention.

Impromptu speeches are most effective when they are brief, focused, and centered around a single clear idea.

2. Manuscript Speaking

Manuscript speaking involves reading a speech word-for-word from a written script. This method ensures precision and is often used in situations where exact wording is critical—such as legal statements, formal ceremonies, or official announcements.

Advantages:

• Guarantees accuracy
• Useful for formal or sensitive occasions

Disadvantages:

• Can sound monotonous if not rehearsed
• Limits eye contact and audience engagement

To make manuscript delivery more engaging, speakers must rehearse extensively, incorporating vocal variety and gestures. Professional speakers, broadcasters, and politicians often use tools like TelePrompTers to maintain eye contact while reading. Success with these tools depends on two key factors:

1. The speaker’s ability to deliver with a conversational tone.
2. A script written in natural, spoken language.

In most classroom settings, manuscript delivery is discouraged. Your instructor will likely expect you to speak extemporaneously.

Memorized Speaking

3. Memorized speaking involves reciting a speech that has been committed to memory. This method is commonly used by actors and performers, but it can also be effective in speeches where precise wording is important and the speaker wants to move freely without notes.

Advantages:

• Enables full eye contact and physical movement
• Useful when visual aids or gestures are important

Disadvantages:

• Risk of forgetting parts of the speech
• Can sound mechanical if not well-rehearsed

While memorization can enhance delivery, it requires significant time and effort. For most classroom presentations, memorized speaking is not required and may even be discouraged unless specified by your instructor.

4. Extemporaneous Speaking

Extemporaneous speaking is the delivery of a well-prepared and rehearsed speech using brief notes or an outline. This method strikes a balance between preparation and spontaneity, allowing the speaker to engage with the audience while maintaining structure.

Advantages:

• Encourages eye contact and audience connection
• Allows flexibility and adaptation during delivery
• Enhances credibility and engagement

Extemporaneous speaking is especially valuable in academic settings, where instructors often assess your ability to maintain eye contact, speak confidently, and demonstrate mastery of your topic. You may be required to prepare both a preparation outline and a speaking outline, which are discussed in detail in Chapter 6.

Because this method requires familiarity with your content—not memorization—it’s essential to practice multiple times before presenting. The more you rehearse, the more natural and confident your delivery will become.

Choosing the Right Method

Each method of delivery serves a purpose depending on the context, audience, and goals of the speech. For your public speaking course, extemporaneous delivery will likely be the standard. It offers the best combination of preparation, flexibility, and audience engagement—skills that will serve you well in academic, professional, and civic settings.