Nuances and Methods of Speech Delivery

NUANCES OF SPEECH DELIVERY

Delivering the content of any presentation on a stage is known as speech delivery and it is one of the basic requirements in a presentation. If it is necessary ‘what to say’, it is equally important ‘how to say’. A speaker must understand the subtle differences of paralinguistic features and speech delivery method to impress the audience. Many things like vocal inflections, perfectly timed pauses, pronunciation, tone, correct rate of speech, and a lively sense of communication are very important.

Hence, nuances of speech delivery must be taken care of by a speaker before delivering a speech on a stage. A few Nuances of speech delivery are mentioned below-

 

 

1. Words must be pronounced correctly to avoid any misunderstanding due to homophones.
2. The articulation of sounds must be clear so that the audience may get all the sounds and understand the meaning of the spoken words.
3. During speech delivery, the rate of speech must be moderate. it will help the audience to move with the speaker.
4. Voice modulation brings flexibility and vitality to voice, and can express emotions, sentiments, confidence, etc. With modulation, the speech can stay smooth and exciting.
5. A speaker must take care of intonation and stress while giving a speech because they bring charm to the speech and attract the attention of the audience.
6. Time management and other nonverbal cues is also crucial for an effective Presentation.
7. Other than all the above a speaker must know the various methods of speech delivery and the nuances very carefully. A speaker may choose any method (Reading, memorization, extempore, and impromptu).

Methods of Speech Delivery

There are four methods to deliver the presentation: -

 

1.     Reading Manuscript

Reading method of speech delivery includes reading the manuscript in front of the audience. This method is often used in a complex or technical presentation. Example- Annual reports, Complex research, etc.

Reading intelligibly is an art which can also be learnt after much practice.

Advantages: -

·           No chance of mistake in the facts and figures.

·           The material is organized and Time management is good.

·           Language gets polished as speaker writes and improves it till the best.

Disadvantages: -

·           It is monotonous and boring.

·           Less scope for eye contact, non-verbal and interactive skills.

·           Required perfect reading skill.

2.     Memorization

Cramming is the base of memorization. Memorizing a quotation, an opening paragraph, or a few concluding remarks will strengthen the speech delivery and impress the audience but memorizing the whole speech is bit difficult and risky also. If at the time of delivery something skips from the speaker’s mind, he feels lack of confidence and  his speech will sound stilled/unnatural/too formal.

Advantages

·        It is very easy to make eye contact.

·    The speaker can easily move and make use of appropriate nonverbal communication.

·       It is possible to finish the speech in allotted time.

Disadvantages

·       It is time taken for memorizing the script.

·       It may be dull and monotonous.

·       No flexibility.

·       There is a risk of missing or forgetting the content in the mid.

 3. Extempore/ Speaking form Notes

Speaking through prepared notes (headings and main points) for the speech delivery is called extempore. The speaker may take help of appropriate audio-visual aids. It is the most popular and impressive method. While making presentation, the speaker maintains eye contact with the audience and develop a rapport with them.

Advantages: -

·         Engages the audience and helps speaker to feel confident

·        Gives enough time to make eye contact

·        Gives flexibility as far as movement, language and style is concerned.

·        Allows speaker to establish a rapport with the audience.

Disadvantages: -

·        Time taken

4. Impromptu

The word ‘impromptu’  means done without preparation or planning; hence, impromptu speech means a speech delivered without any preparation. It is advisable to avoid such impromptu speeches in formal mode. In an unavoidable situation, take a moment to think and then speak.

Advantages

·         Speaker sounds natural if take care properly.
·         Speaker is free to put his original thoughts.
·         Speaker is spontaneous as he says what he feels.

Disadvantages

·         Lacking organized development.


·         No supplementary material to substantiate the speech.


·         Chances of rambling are very high.
·         It may turn out failure in inadequate supply of material or language command.