Methods of Speaking

There are four types of speeches according to the manner of delivery.

METHODS OF SPEAKING

Impromptu Speech

Extemporaneous Speech

Read Speech

Memorized Speech

IMPROMPTU SPEECH

- ideas and the language are thought out only at the moment of delivery

Advantages

- spontaneous and natural

- makes the listeners more attentive

Disadvantages

- rambling

- repetitious

- disorganized

Preparation

- during the speech itself

Delivery

- requires mental alertness

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH

Definition

Ø It is one where the ideas are prepared but the language is definitely composed only at the moment of delivery.

Advantage

Ø It has some spontaneity and naturalness without the disadvantage of disorderliness of the impromptu speech.

Disadvantage

Ø It does not have the precision and carefulness in language of a written speech.

Preparation

Ø The speaker gathers his ideas, puts them in order, and practices delivery.

Delivery

Ø The speaker should be at ease with the extemporaneous delivery for he is already supposed to be prepared with the content of the speech.

Ø The speaker can concentrate more on refining and beautifying his language as he speaks.

Ø Written notes are generally important to assure the speaker of proper sequencing and a smooth flow of ideas, as well as remembering which is important.

READ SPEECH

Definition

Ø It is a speech that is written out and read word for word during delivery.

Advantages

Ø It enjoys the qualities of precision, organization, beauty, and depth of language.

Ø Its presentation is smooth and formal.

Disadvantages

Ø The delivery is not as spontaneous and natural as in impromptu and extemporaneous speeches.

Ø It may suffer from artificiality, if the speaker does not take care.

Ø The speaker may lack rapport with his audience.

Ø The audience may feel that the speaker is reading someone else’s words.

Preparation

Ø The read speech enjoys all the benefits of preparation.

Ø The speaker gathers more materials for his speech, decides on those he will use and the support he needs, puts them in outline form, writes out the speech, then practices delivery.

Delivery

Ø The speaker must make the audience feel that he is not talking to his manuscript.

Ø The most basic rule is: Look at your audience eye to eye as often as you can.

MEMORIZED SPEECH

Definition

Ø It is a speech that is committed entirely to memory and delivered from memory.

Advantage

Ø It has the same advantage as the read speech – precision, organization, beauty, and depth of language.

Disadvantages

Ø It has the same drawback as the read speech – lack of spontaneity and naturalness, or artificiality, unless the speaker is experienced and makes it appear that the delivery is extemporaneous.

Ø The speaker has a tendency to forget.

Ø If the speaker is not well prepared, his effort to recall his lines distracts him from the more important “feeling and spirit” of the speech.