Chapter 12: Delivering your Speech

What is articulation, and why is it important to a speaker?

Articulation is the clear and precise pronunciation of words. It is important to a speaker because having poor articulation may cause your audience to strain to understand you and may hurt your credibility.

What are the characteristics of extemporaneous delivery, and how should a speaker practice when using this delivery method?

Characteristics of extemporaneous delivery are flexibility and forethought, or structured spontaneity. A speaker should practice with thorough planning and practice. Speaking extemporaneously helps you deliver an audience-centered and engaging message, greatly maximizing your chances of connecting with your listeners and having your speech achieve purpose. EX. When you appear spontaneous, your speech comes across as natural and authentic. EX. When you present clear and well-organized ideas, you come across as knowledgeable and confident

Impromptu Speaking

Delivery with little or no preparation

Presentation Outline

Distills your complete-sentence outline into a list of words and phrases to guide you through the main parts of your speech and the transitions between them

What are the tips for managing your body during your speech?

Dress for the Occasion Face Your Audience and Make Eye Contact with Them Display Appropriate Facial Expressions Maintain Good Posture Move with Purpose and Spontaneity Avoid Physical Barriers

Dialect

Is the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation used by a group of people

Posture

Is the way you position and carry your body

Delivery

Refers to presenting a speech in public

Pronunciation

Saying words correctly

What are the tips for managing your voice during a speech?

Speak Loudly Enough Vary Your Rate, Pitch, and Volume Avoid Vocalized Pauses Articulate Your Words Clearly and Pronounce Them Correctly

Nonverbal Messages

Such as facial expressions

Pitch

The highness or lowness of a speaker's voice

Volume

The loudness of your voice

Memorized Speaking

The speaker commits the entire speech to memory and then presents it to an audience

Key Words

They identify subjects or points of primary interest or concern

Vocalized Pauses

Verbal fillers use up time without providing any information

Monotone

With little alternation in pitch

Manuscript Speaking

You can compose the exact language you want to use for your speech

Extemporaneous Speaking

You carefully research, organize, and rehearse your speech before you deliver it

Vocal Variety

changes in a speaker's rate, pitch, and volume that give the voice variety and expressiveness

Articulation

the clear and precise pronunciation of words

Rate

the speed at which a person speaks EX. A faster rate, higher pitch, and louder volume suggest energy and excited EX. A slower rate, lower pitch, and softer volume indicate a more solemn and contemplative tone