Managing Anxiety and Delivering your Speech

Presentational aids should be used only when?

Only when they reinforce, engage, support, and clarify a speaker's message.

What are vocal fillers?

Fillers such as "um," "uh," and "like." These can become distracting and irritating to your listeners.

Describe personal appearance as a speech delivery factor.

The way the speakers looks and dresses is important. First impressions are based mainly on appearance. Your audience may form instant, hard-to-change opinions about your attitude toward them and yourself. Personal appearance also has a function in communication. Appearance can have an impact on the speaker's self-image and thus can affect how the speaker communicates with others. You should dress for special occasion when you present your speech. When you look good, you feel good, and that positively affects your performance.

How can presentational aids help with the delivery of your speech?

They can help guide your delivery. Correctly used presentational aids can become an outline for parts of your speech. Aids can act as prompts and allow speakers to move more easily from point to point. Aids can even reduce speaking anxiety as they are something that can relied upon to help guide.

How does presentational aids provide support?

They can serve as excellent forms of evidence, helping to bolster speaker's points of views. Aids allow your audience to see for themselves the real-world representations of concepts in your speech. This makes your message more immediate and believable.

Describe body movement as a speech delivery factor.

This includes posture, which should be relaxed and natural; avoid slouching. The use of movement--stepping to the side, forward, or backward--can hold attention and help communicate ideas. Movement can also serve as a nonverbal transition between points. Too much movement or unmotivated, nervous movement, however, can distract your audience, however.

Generally, people remember things more when they both _________ and ___________ something.

hear/see

Describe important factors when creating effective PowerPoint or Prezi presentations.

1. Color: Choose background colors and designs that are clear, clean, and not too busy. Blue, green backgrounds are recommended as they are calming, but also readable. Text colors should be black or white. Red text can pixelate and is very hard to read on computers. Yellow is an attention getter, but too much can make words and images dance on the screen. 2. Keep material uncluttered. 3. Type and size of font: Avoid fonts with too many curves and extras, which distract and are harder to read. 4. Display a slide show only when you are referring to it. Blank the screen otherwise or you can also include blank slides for those times when the material might distract. 5. Use of graphics and pictures should be used sparingly to keep you listeners connected to the topic. A good rule of thumb is no more than 25 percent of your slides should have pictures or graphics on them.

Name and describe the different methods of speech delivery.

1. Impromptu delivery: The delivery of a speech with little or no planning or preparation (no research, no organization). 2. Manuscript delivery: Reading the speech word for word. 3. Memorized delivery: Requires you to memorize your speech in its entirety, usually from a word-for-word script. This kind of delivery is suited for short presentations, such as toasts, acceptance speeches, and introductions, and is also commonly used by speakers in contests and on lecture circuits. 4. Extemporaneous delivery: The speaker uses a carefully prepared and researched speech but delivers it from notes, with a high degree of spontaneity. This is the most commonly used method in speech classrooms and in other public communication situations. Speakers depend on a brief presentational outline or notes and choose actual wording of the speech at the time of delivery.

Name some benefits of using presentational aids.

1. Makes the speech more understandable and memorable. 2. Enhances the speakers credibility 3. Creates audience attention and interest 4. Provides support 5. Helps with delivery

What are some physical factors that can affect delivery of a speech?

1. Personal appearance 2. Body movement 3. Gestures 4. Facial expressions 5. Eye contact

When choosing and using presentational aids, what should be kept in mind:

1. Presentational aids should serve a need. They never be used just for the sake of using them. 2. Presentational aids should be planned and adapted to the audience and the situation. The size of the aid and distance from audience; should be kept free of too much detail. 3. Should not dominate or take over a speaker's job. 4. Should look as professionally prepared as possible. 5. Should be practical--easy to prepare, use, transport. Should not interfere with the speaker and draw too much attention to themselves.

What are the vocal aspects of speech delivery?

1. Vocal quality 2. Intelligibility 3. Vocal variety

Every speaker should consider what five conditions before using presentational aids?

1. Will they help make your speech more understandable to the audience? 2. Will they help accomplish your purpose? 3. Will the audience regard you as unprepared if you don't use them? 4. Will they hold the audiences attention? 5. Will they enhance your credibility?

What is speech anxiety?

A multisystem response that creates a combination of biochemical changes in the body in a communication situation.

What is systematic desensitization?

A relaxation technique designed to reduce the tenseness associated with anxiety. The goal is to develop a new, relaxed response to the anxiety-provoking event.

How does presentational aids enhance your credibility?

A well-done visual presentation tells your audience you put additional effort into preparing your speech. Audiences see speakers who use presentation aids, according to research, more interesting, more persuasive, and more concrete. Also, when you show presentational aids from reliable sources, you are telling your audience you are open to their scrutiny and you are determined to be truthful and fair minded, which ultimately enhances your credibility.

What are presentational aids?

Also called visual aids or audiovisual aids, are materials and equipment--such as diagrams, models, real objects, photographs, tables, charts, graphs, and computer-generated materials--that speakers may use to enhance content as well as delivery.

Communication apprehension often begins when?

At an early age as a result of negative feedback in the home. For example, children who are not encouraged to communicate or who are punished for doing so are likely to learn that communicating is undesirable and that silence is beneficial. Anxious children can be made to feel inadequate and thus perpetuate the fear and anxiety associated with speaking.

__________ can affect the quality of the voice, and reveal to listeners whether the speaker is happy, confident, angry, fearful, or sad. Vocal quality is a highly accurate indicator of the presenter's _____________. In addition, listeners tend to believe that speakers whose vocal delivery is interesting and easy to listen to are more ______________ and will probably be more willing to listen to those who use their voices ______________.

Attitude/sincerity/credible/effectively

What are the advantages of an extemporaneous speech?

Because it eliminates memorization and manuscript writing, it leaves more time for preparation and practice. Thus once you have prepared an outline, you can begin to practice your delivery. The goal of the extemporaneous method is a conversational and spontaneous quality. Conversationality and spontaneity are two hallmarks of speech delivery listeners find appealing. Extemporaneous delivery also is more adaptable to a variety of speaking situations that other delivery methods. It allows adjustment to the audiences responses moment by moment.

Why are manuscript speeches often discouraged when learning how to give speeches?

Because it invites the speaker to concentrate more on the script than the audience and reduces eye contact with the audience. Furthermore, speakers who word from manuscripts are less able to adapt to the reactions of the audience and thus may sound mechanical. They are so busy concentrating on reading the speech that they may be unable to respond to their listeners.

Describe pauses in vocal variety.

Can be an effective means of gaining attention, adding emphasis to an important point, and enabling listeners to follow shifts in ideas. Pauses punctuate and emphasize thoughts.

Describe facial expressions as delivery factors.

Configurations of the face that can reflect, augment, contradict, or be unrelated to a speaker's vocal delivery. They account for much of the emotional impact of a speaker's message.

Because the audience is the ultimate judge of effectiveness, you must deliver your speech how?

Deliver it well to involve the audience in it. Audience members like to feel as thought they are being personally addressed. Try to think of your presentation as a conversation and your audience as your partners in dialogue. Then use your voice and body to create this impression.

Describe eye contact as a delivery factor.

Eye contact is the most important physical aspect of speech delivery, as it indicates interest and concern for others and implies self-confidence. Most speech communications teachers recommend that you look at your audience while you are speaking, not over their heads or at a spot on the wall. When speaking to a small audience, try to look at each individual for a few seconds at a time. To avoid looking shifty, move your eyes gradually and smoothly from one person to another. Try not to make your listeners uncomfortable; give your listeners the feeling that you are talking to them as individuals in a casual conversation. At first, establishing eye contact with an audience may make you uncomfortable; but, as you gain experience, you will begin to feel more at ease. You will soon find that eye contact puts you in control of the situation and helps answer these questions: Can they hear me? Do they understand? Are they listening?

Speakers who have speech anxiety often overestimate what?

How much the audience notices their behavior, and the audience tends to underestimate a speaker's anxiety.

What does effective delivery convey?

It conveys the speakers purpose and ideas in a clear and interesting manner so the audience attends to and retains what was said as the speaker intended it.

What can vocal variety do to help your speech?

It gives feeling to your delivery and adds emphasis to what you say.

Describe anxiety and what it does to us physically.

It is a chemical reactive condition during which our bodies secrete hormones and adrenaline that eventually overload our physical and emotional responses. Your heart begins to beat faster, and your blood pressure starts to rise. More sugar is pumped into your system, and your stomach might churn. When you are experiencing these reactions, you may feel as if your body is operating at high gear and that little or nothing can be done about it. You should realize that these feelings are normal and, for most of us, will not interfere with our speech performance.

Describe force in vocal variety.

It is the intensity and volume of the voice. You must choose a volume level that is comfortable for your audience.

What are the disadvantages of a memorized speech?

Its lack of flexibility. It doesn't allow for much, if any, adaptability to your audience. Beginning speakers face another disadvantage: They might forget what they want to say and become embarrassed. In addition, it is difficult to deliver a memorized speech without sounding mechanical.

Describe gestures as speech delivery factors.

Movements of the head, arms, and hands can be used to help illustrate, emphasize, or clarify a point. Gestures should be spontaneous, not forced. As you give more speeches, you will find that gesturing becomes more natural and easier.

What are some useful tips when giving an impromptu speech?

Muster your self-control, relax, and concentrate on what you wish to say.

Describe pitch in vocal variety.

Pitch refers to how low or how high the voice is on the tonal scale. Variety in pitch can eliminate monotony and add emphasis to key words.

What is articulation?

Producing and saying words clearly and distinctly.

Describe rate in vocal variety.

Rate is the speed at which a speaker speeks--usually between 120 and 175 words per minute. Requires self awareness. A rate that is too fast or too slow or never changes can detract from the impact of your message.

What is vocal quality?

The overall impression a speaker's voice makes on listeners.

What are the keys to high intelligibility?

Self-awareness and consideration for listeners.

What is vocal variety?

The combination of rate, force, and pitch variations that add to a speaker's overall vocal quality.

What is intelligibility?

The degree to which an audience can hear and understand words.

How do you treat speech anxiety?

The most important thing is determination and to not give up, but also: 1. Accept the fact that you are anxious and remember that a certain level of anxiety is perfectly normal. Anxiety is a good thing for it actually helps you to perform well. 2. Be prepared. Practice, practice, practice before the speech. 3. Walk confidently to the speaking area and try and stay positive. Students believe this helps create confidence. Positive behavior results in positive outcomes. 4. Don't start your speech until you are ready. Have everything under control. 5. Look at your audience and focus most of the time on friendly faces. 6. Know your audience and the surroundings in which you presentation will take place. 7. Know that things happen and that you don't have control over everything; above all, be yourself.

What is communication apprehension?

The most sever form of speech anxiety which is classified as a syndrome associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons.

Intelligibility is determined by what?

Vocal volume; distinctiveness of sound; accuracy of pronunciation; articulation; and stress placed on syllables, words, and phrases.

When is anxiety a problem?

When we cannot control it or when we choose not to communicate because of it.

What is the advantage of manuscript speeches?

You are never at a loss for words.

What is the one advantage of a memorized speech?

You can concentrate less on what you have to say and focus more on your delivery. Of course, this is true only if you are extremely confident and have memorized your speech so completely you don't need to think about each word.

International students and Americans who's first language is not English often have anxieties that go ________________ those of native speakers.

beyond

A poorly written speech can be improved by effective _____________, and well-written speech can be ruined by ___________ deliver

delivery/ineffective

An extemporaneous speech might at first seem as difficult as an impromptu speech, but in fact it is much __________

easier

Our reactions to a speech-making situation are __________. Because of this, the only solution for its sufferers are to do what?

learned/to examine potential reasons for the anxiety and then use this knowledge to learn how to manage the discomfort.

If you are prepared for your speech you should feel _____ and ______. It's far easier to feel good about a presentation when you're thoroughly prepared for any _________. Also the more prepared you are, the better you will be able to ___________ from little mishaps.

poised/confident/eventuality/recover

Some speeches, because of the complexity of their content, require what?

presentational aids

Communication apprehension and speech anxiety are two of the most ________________ areas of communication.

researched.