Learning Module Three

This preview from your weekly readings is designed to give you an overview of the material we will cover this week. Please be sure to completely read each assigned chapter since the material will be needed to answer the quizzes and to complete other graded work such as discussions and assignments.

For this week, please read:

Chapter 10.1 Managing Public Speaking Anxiety

Chapter Learning Objectives

Discuss common sources of public speaking anxiety.
Identify strategies for addressing public speaking anxiety.
Employ strategies for addressing public speaking anxiety.

If you feel fear, anxiety, or discomfort when confronted with the task of speaking in front of an audience, you are not alone. National polls consistently show that public speaking is among Americans’ top fears (Bodie, 2010). Yet, since we all have to engage in some form of public speaking, this is a fear that many people must face regularly. Effectively managing speaking anxiety has many positive effects on your speech. One major area that can improve with less anxiety is delivery. Although speaking anxiety is natural and normal, it can interfere with verbal and nonverbal delivery, which makes a speech less effective. In this chapter, we will explore causes of speaking anxiety, ways to address it, and best practices of vocal and physical delivery.

Chapter 10.2 Delivery Methods and Practice Sessions

Chapter Learning Objectives

Identify the four methods of speech delivery.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each delivery method.
Discuss strategies for making speech practice sessions more effective.

There are many decisions that must be made during the speech-making process. Making informed decisions about delivery can help boost your confidence and manage speaking anxiety. In this section, we will learn some strengths and weaknesses of various delivery methods and how to make the most of your practice sessions.

Chapter 10.3 Vocal Delivery

Chapter Learning Objectives

Identify elements of vocal delivery that make a speech more engaging.
Identify elements of vocal delivery that make a speech clearer.
Discuss the relationship between vocal delivery and speaker credibility.

Vocal delivery includes components of speech delivery that relate to your voice. These include rate, volume, pitch, articulation, pronunciation, and fluency. Our voice is important to consider when delivering our speech for two main reasons. First, vocal delivery can help us engage and interest the audience. Second, vocal delivery helps ensure that our ideas are communicated clearly.

Chapter 10.4 Physical Delivery

Chapter Learning Objectives

Explain the role of facial expressions and eye contact in speech delivery.
Explain the role of posture, gestures, and movement in speech delivery.
Explain the connection between personal appearance and credibility in speech delivery.
Explain the connection between visual aids and speech delivery.

Many speakers are more nervous about physical delivery than vocal delivery. Putting our bodies on the line in front of an audience often makes us feel more vulnerable than putting our voice out there. Yet most audiences are not as fixated on our physical delivery as we think they are. Knowing this can help relieve some anxiety, but it doesn’t give us a free pass when it comes to physical delivery. We should still practice for physical delivery that enhances our verbal message. Physical delivery of a speech involves nonverbal communication through the face and eyes, gestures, and body movements.

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