Mastering Effective Speech Delivery: Types, Techniques, and Common Pitfalls

Effective Delivery “ I know that you believe that you understand what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” -Richard Nixon

Types of Speeches • Informative – to create further interest in your topic. • Straight facts • No opinions • Credible sources

Types of speeches • Persuasive – To implement change or call to action. • Induce your audience to think like you do • Influence your audience in such a way that they are called to action. • Inspire your audience.

Types of Delivery • 1. Manuscript • A completely written out speech in which you read the entire manuscript. • EX: convention speech • EX: campaign speech

Types of Delivery • 2. Memorized method – • Delivering a speech from complete memory • EX: Lawyers closing statement • EX: Presenting an award

Types of Delivery • 3. Extemporaneous Method – • Delivery from an Outline • EX: business meetings • EX: Formal speeches • EX: campaign speech • EX: group discussion starter • EX: introducing a speaker

Types of Delivery • 4. Impromptu method – • Delivery without preparation • Answering a question in class • Training co-workers • Giving a friend advice

Impromptu Speech “Not Rehearsed”

Impromptu Speech • Little Time for Preparation • You have to be yourself • No Notes • May lose train of thought • Appear disorganized • Most often type of speech you will use: • Answers in class • Opinions • Perceiving a problem

Delivery Snags • Vocalized Pauses – not accepted in public speeches • Can destroy effectiveness • Meaningless fillers – often when tense, nervous, and unprepared • Most speakers do not hear their own vocalized pauses • They are not related to the content of the speech so our mind pays little attention to them.

Vocalized Pauses • “uh…” • “um…” • “Like…” • “ya know…” • “stuff like that…” • “so basically…” • “Aaaannd…” • “So, uh…” • “well, uh…” • “alright…” • “okay…” • “or whatever” • “pretty much” • AND MANY MORE

VP damage • Prevents fluid presentation • Distracting • Causes your confidence level to drop • Loss of credibility for the speaker (Speech is not as effective)

Identifying & Modifying Vocalized pauses • Find out if you’re guilty • Ask people if they’ve noticed them in your speech • Train your ear to hear vocalized pauses • Have listeners raise their hand when you use one • Limit Use through practice sessions

Clarity • Accuracy – • Concrete vs. abstract words • Concrete – names for things that we can perceive through sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell. (baseball, car, radio, pizza) • Abstract – names of qualities, attributes, concepts (relaxation, enjoyment, honesty, etc…) Intangible things. ****Abstract words are general and are open to personal interpretation, therefore when using abstract words, we must clearly define what we mean.

Connotation and Denotation • Denotation – the basic meaning of a word. • Basic dictionary definition • Connotation – the meaning beyond the dictionary definition, or the meaning we associate with the word. • EX: family, justice, survivor

How else do we make sure we are clear? • Economy of language – careful or thrifty use of words. Managing the quantity of words you use to speak. • EX: Original Statement: At the beginning of the day before I have my breakfast, I always work to keep my blood circulating and my body fit. • EX: Economical Statement: I like to exercise first thing in the morning.

Now you try this one: • Original Statement: The recession and financial difficulties are leading low, middle and upper-class Americans to tighten their belts and take their pocket books seriously. • Economical Statement?

Due to the recession, Americans have become more conscious of their spending.

Creating word PicturesFigures of Speech • Imagery – language that creates pictures in our minds and stimulates our senses. • Smelled of manure • Crazy-eyed woman • Sky blue eyes • Her heart was cemented inside • The man was suspended like a morsel between two chopsticks.

Figures of Speech • Alliteration – • The repetition of sound at the beginning of two or more words that are close together • Tongue twisters – • Sally sells seashells by the sea shore.

Figures of Speech • Assonance – • The repetition of vowel sounds • Rhyming words • How now Brown Cow

Figures of Speech • Consonance – • The repetition of consonant sounds • Doesn’t have to be at the beginning of words • “How much wood could a wood chuck, chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?” • “A wood chuck would chuck as much wood as a wood chuck could chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood.”

Language to AVOID • Jargon – specialized vocabulary of those in the same line of work. • Slang – nonstandard words that may be associated with certain groups. • Sexist Language – language which unfairly stereotypes females (and sometimes males) into categories. • Shocking or Obscene Language – any language that offends by going against common standards of decency. Always ask yourself – “Is the word worth the price?”

Dealing with Noise • Dropping Materials – go on with your speech as if nothing happened • Don’t lose your composure and the audience won’t care. • Noise will happen in most speeches • Momentary distractions – pause until it passes. • Long noises – noises that will last through your speech have to be dealt with as best you can.

Other things to consider • Rehearsal is vital – time yourself • Timing – control the pace of your speech to fit the time limit. • Feedback – test of effective delivery • How well speaker reacts to audience feedback • Know when to repeat an idea • When to talk louder • When to speed up • When to elaborate

Tips • 1. Be loud enough to be heard in the back. • 2. Stand still! Plant your feet! • 3. Complete your gestures. • 4. Make eye contact with the audience. • 5. Practice so that you aren’t surprised by how hard it is to talk and do at the same time. • 6. Be sure to talk 90% of the time. • 7. SMILE!!!

Mastering Effective Speech Delivery: Types, Techniques, and Common Pitfalls