Methods of Presenting

There are four basic methods for delivering a speech or presentation: manuscript, memorized, impromptu, and extemporaneous. Depending on the task or assignment, you may or may not have a choice of which method to use; even if the method is stipulated, it’s useful to think about the pros and cons of presenting this way.

Manuscript

A manuscript speech is when the presenter writes down every word they will speak during the presentation.

Speaking from a manuscript

The advantage of using a manuscript is that you have access to every word you’ve prepared in advance. There is no guesswork or memorization needed. This method comforts some speakers’ nerves as they don’t have to worry about that moment where they might freeze and forget what they’ve planned to say. When the exact wording of an idea is crucial, speakers often read from a manuscript, for instance in communicating public statements from a company.

However, the disadvantage with a manuscript is that the speakers have MANY words in front of them on the page. This prohibits one of the most important aspects of delivery, eye contact. When many words are on the page, the speakers will find themselves looking down at those words more frequently because they will need the help. If they do look up at the audience, they often cannot find their place when the eye returns to the page. Above all, the speakers should remember to rehearse with the script so that they practice looking up often.

Memorized

Wedding toasts are often memorized

A memorized presentation is also fully prepared in advance and one in which the speaker does not use any notes. In the case of an occasion speech like a quick toast, a brief dedication, or a short eulogy, word-for-word memorization might make sense. Usually, though, it doesn’t involve committing each and every word to memory, Memorizing a speech isn’t like memorizing a poem where you need to remember every word exactly as written. Don’t memorize a manuscript! Work with your outline instead. Practice with the outline until you can recall the content and order of your main points without effort. Then it’s just a matter of practicing until you’re able to elaborate on your key points in a natural and seamless manner. Ideally, a memorized speech will sound like an off-the-cuff statement by someone who is a really eloquent speaker and an exceptionally organized thinker!

The advantage of a memorized presentation is that the speaker can fully face their audience and make lots of eye contact. The problem with a memorized speech is that speakers may get nervous and forget the parts they’ve memorized. Without any notes to lean on, the speaker may hesitate and leave lots of dead air in the room while trying to recall what was planned. Sometimes, the speaker can’t remember or find his or her place in the speech and are forced to go get the notes or go back to the PowerPoint in some capacity to try to trigger his or her memory. This can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable moment for the speaker and the audience, and is a moment which could be easily avoided by using a different speaking method.

Impromptu

When you speak up in class or in a meeting, it’s usually an impromptu speech.

An impromptu speech is one for which there is little to no preparation. There is often not a warning even that the person may be asked to speak. For example, your boss may ask you to deliver a presentation on a new initiative you’ve been working on. You may or may not be given a few minutes to organize your thoughts. What should you do? DO NOT PANIC. Even under pressure, you can create a basic speech that follows the formula of an introduction, body, and conclusion. If you have a few minutes, jot down some notes that fit into each part of the speech. (In fact, the phrase “speaking off the cuff,” which means speaking without preparation, probably refers to the idea that one would jot a few notes on one’s shirt cuff before speaking impromptu.)^[1] While an impromptu speech can be challenging, the advantage is that it can also be thrilling as the speaker thinks off the cuff and says what they’re most passionate about in the moment. A speaker should not be afraid to use notes during an impromptu speech if they were given any time to organize their thoughts. The disadvantage is that there is no time for preparation, so finding research to support claims such as quotes or facts cannot be included. The lack of preparation makes some speakers more nervous and they may struggle to engage the audience due to their nerves.

Extemporaneous

Extemporaneous speaking uses notes to help keep the speaker on track.

The last method of delivery we’ll look at is extemporaneous. When speaking extemporaneously, speakers prepare some notes in advance that help trigger their memory of what they planned to say. These notes are not full sentences, but help the speakers, who turn them into a full sentence when spoken aloud. Note that if a quote is being used, listing that quote verbatim is fine.

The advantage of extemporaneous speaking is that you are able to speak in a more conversational tone by letting your notes guide you, but not dictate every word you say. This method allows you to make more eye contact with the audience. The shorter note forms also prevents you from getting lost in your words. The disadvantage of extemporaneous delivery is that you may forget what you were planning to say in connection to a given note, or lose track of your place in teh overall presentation. This problem can be avoided through rehearsal and double-checking the note order before speaking.

Many speakers consider the extemporaneous method to be the ideal speaking method because it allows them to be prepared, keeps the audience engaged, and encourages a more natural style of delivery. In academic classes, many presentations will probably be delivered extemporaneously.

Rehearsing Your Presentation

The most important element in delivering your presentation as eloquently as possible is practice. The more you rehearse, the smoother your delivery will be and the more you’ll be able to deal with unexpected interruptions or challenges. Ideally, you’ll find time to rehearse in conditions as close to the actual presentation as possible: using the same equipment and even the same space.

As you rehearse, here are some elements of speech delivery to focus on:

• Breath: Strong, sustained speaking begins with breath. Try to breath from the diaphragm, not from your shoulders.
• Articulation: Pronouncing the words so that your audience can follow the nuances of your argument.
• Pitch: Varying your pitch to avoid sounding monotonous.
• Rate: Speaking at the right rate for comprehension; not too fast and not too slow.
• Emphasis: Using emphasis to call attention to key points.
• Volume: Controlling your volume to add variety and call your listeners’ attention to the most important moments in the speech.
• Pauses: Never underestimate the power of the pause. It focuses the audience’s attention and creates anticipation. Not to mention, pauses give you time to think about what you’re going to say.
• Nonverbal aspects of delivery: Controlled body language and gestures help to reinforce your points and help the audience interpret the impact of your words.

Remember: More practice means less nervousness! Building in time to rehearse productively will make the speech far more effective and far less painful.