Giving a Presentation

Chapter 12

After completing this chapter, you will be able to• Define delivery and explain the four methods

of delivery• Demonstrate nonverbal components of

personal delivery style• Explain how to rehearse a speech• Describe ways of developing speech

confidence and managing stage fright• Demonstrate how to adapt to distractions

during a presentation• Demonstrate how to handle question-and-

answer periods and team presentations• Follow guidelines for using media aids

The delivery of a message is as vital to the success of a presentation as the message itself.

Methods of Delivery

• Extemporaneous Method• use a prepared outline but do not plan out each

sentence

• Impromptu Method• delivered with little or no preparation

• Manuscript method• written out entirely and delivered word-for-word from

a typed or handwritten paper

• Memorized Method• Written our entirely and delivered word-for-word

without notes or a manuscript

Extemporaneous Method

AdvantagesSpeaker is very

organized and rarely forgets what to say,

appears confident, and can be flexible. You

can rephrase ideas as necessary.

DisadvantagesSpeakers may stumble

over words or forget the

next main idea. You still have to prepare

and rehearse.

Impromptu Method

AdvantagesIt sounds natural and builds organizational skills under pressure.

DisadvantagesYou have no notes to rely on, so you may

become nervous and lose your train of

thought. You have nothing to fall back on.

Manuscript Method

AdvantagesIt allows the

speaker to choose the wording carefully. Ideas are

fully developed.

DisadvantagesSpeakers may just

read without expression

or looking up.

Memorized Method

AdvantagesIt can be carefully crafted, like the

manuscript method.

DisadvantagesIt is easy to forget

when you are nervous.

Personal delivery style refers to the nonverbal messages you communicate during a speech – your appearance, voice, eye contact, facial expression, gestures, and body movements.

Gestures are movements of the head, shoulders, hands, or arms that speakers use to describe or emphasize a point.

Gestures are a NATURAL part of communication.

Good speakers use movement to make their message clearer to the audience.

Guidelines for Using Movement

1. Take a few steps during the major transitions in a speech.

2. When you move, face the same direction you are moving.

3. Stand BALANCED on BOTH FEET.

Appearance matters when you are giving a speech. You are communicating with your audience from the moment you enter a room, and they will form an initial impression of you based on your clothes, hair, and jewelry.

If you can’t at your audience when you are speaking to them, you will lose their attention and respect.

Facial expressions should match the tone of your speech. It should reflect the emotions you are asking the audience to feel.

Voice is like a musical instrument, capable of great variety. Use this variety to

your advantage.

Elements of Voice

• Rate (speed)• Pitch (highs and lows of your vocal

range)• Volume (loudness or softness)• Tone (emotion expressed by voice)• Clarity (clearness of words)

Competent speechmaking requires practice.

Rehearsing involves ordering the ideas in your mind and polishing your delivery.

Ordering the Speech in Your Mind1. Read over your outline silently two or three

times.2. Read over your outline aloud.3. Try to give your speech without looking at

your note cards. Practice gestures and movements. Even if you can’t remember certain points, go through your entire speech without stopping.

4. Repeat steps 1 – 3 until you can complete your speech without any errors.

Polishing your Delivery

1. Imagine your audience in your mind. Set chairs in front of you or have friends listen. Practice with visual aids.

2. Try to connect with your audience.3. Adapt to your listeners.4. Give special attention to the introduction,

conclusion, and any stories, examples, or jokes. Memorize these parts so that you do not have to read from note cards.

5. Spread your rehearsal time over 3 or 4 days.

Stage fright is extreme nervousness when talking to an audience.

What happens when you are nervous?• “Butterflies” in the stomach.• Dry mouth• Fast breathing• Pounding heart• Shaky legs• Shifting from foot to foot• Tense voice• Sweaty palms

Tips for Developing Confidence1. Prepare thoroughly.2. Rehearse aloud.3. Breath deeply.4. Start strong.5. Reduce signs of nervousness.6. Display media aids effectively.7. Read nonverbal feedback.

Each speaker has to be prepared to improvise when the unexpected occurs.

What would you do if…

• you are giving a speech when an announcement comes over the loudspeaker?

• you stumble and nearly fall down on your way to the front of the room?

• halfway through your speech, you realize that your remaining note cards are out of order?

• the computer program locks during your PowerPoint presentation.

Guides for Q&A

1. Think before you speak.2. Listen to the question.3. Make sure that all listeners have

heard the question.4. Limit your answer.5. Avoid a debate.

Guides for Team Presentations1. Plan what each

person will talk about and stick to it.

2. Watch your time.

3. Pay attention to each other.

Factors for Choosing Media Aids

CAPSCapabilities (What are you capable of

doing?)Area (How well can the audience see?)Purpose (What do you hope to convey?)Setting (Where will you be?)

Summary

• Different situations call for different methods of delivery; including extemporaneous, impromptu, manuscript, and memorized.

• Your personal delivery style is determined by your body language, eye contact, and vocal qualities.

• You should dress appropriately, stand on both feet, establish eye contact, and vary the rate, pitch, and volume of your voice.

• When you rehearse, first order the speech in your mind then polish your delivery.

• You can control stage fright by practicing your speech thoroughly.

• Remain calm if something unexpected happens.• Evaluate visual aids on the basis of these four factors:

capabilities, area, purpose, and setting.