Methods of Delivery

I. Extemporaneous Speech is a speech that is either persuasive or informative in nature,

usually modeled off of a 5 paragraph essay. At top levels, extemporaneous is a smooth,

dynamic performance that incorporates research, background knowledge, and opinion. A

successful extemporaneous speech has an introduction that catches the listener's

attention, introduces the theme of the speech, and answers the question through three,

or sometimes two, areas of analysis, which develop an answer to the question. These areas

of analysis are followed by a conclusion, which summarizes the speech. Extemporaneous

speaking sometimes allows for the use of index cards.

o Examples: Lectures and Hosting

II. Manuscript Speech is when a speaker reads a pre-written speech word by word to an

audience. It is when an already prepared script is read verbatim. The speaker makes the

entire speech by referring to the printed document, or as seen on the teleprompter. It is

basically an easy method of oral communication. Manuscript speaking is generally

employed during official meetings, conferences, and in instances where the subject matter

of the speech needs to be recorded. It is used especially when there is time constraint, and

the content of the talk is of prime importance. Conveying precise and succinct messages

is the inherent purpose of this speech. Public officials speaking at conferences, and their

speech being telecast, is a pertinent example.

o Examples: State Of the Nation Address and Parliamentary Speech

III. Memorized Speech is a speech that is recited from memory rather than read from cue

cards or using the assistance of notes. This method of speech delivery does not come as

highly recommended as others. An advantage of this method of delivery is you can move

around freely while using gestures and making direct eye contact with your audience. A

potential disadvantage is that you may forget your speech.

o Examples: Valedictory Speech and Speech Choir

IV. Impromptu speech is the one that a speaker delivers without any prior preparation on

the topic. Impromptu, itself, means doing something without preparation. The speaker

has to be on his/her toes at all times while responding quickly to a topic. An advantage of

this method is you can easily adapt to your audiences reaction while you are speaking. A

potential disadvantage of this method is likely to be less well organized and effectively

delivered.

o Examples: Debates, When being interviewed and Recitations