Three Delivery Styles for Speeches

Speak clearly, emphasize key words and make eye contact.

Setting and context determine speech delivery styles, from continuous or connected speech to deliver a whole speech, spontaneous speech when statements are prepared but not memorized or simply are used for reference, and professional speech for authoritative experts in an area or professionals' delivery speeches in the work place. Deliver speeches effectively by avoiding verbal tics or comfort words, such as "um" or "like"; speak clearly; choose words or sets of words to emphasize; choose pause points effectively, deciding which words to hang on; and make eye contact with the audience or interviewer.

Spontaneous

Spontaneous style is used during interviews or question-answer series.

Spontaneous speech occurs when a speaker is doing a question-answer series, being interviewed or speaking free-flow. Although prepared, the speaker does not know exactly which words will be chosen, and does not have complete control over the dialogue. This speech style is best suited for interactive conferences, meetings or informative speeches containing a question-answer portion. Examples of when this style of speech is used in the professional world are at political debates, during sports commentary, in a directed or guided interview or in free conversation with a friend.

Continuous/Connected

Continuous or connected speech style is used for formal speeches without interruption.

Speaking with a continuous speech style implies that the speaker will say something from start to finish without interruption. Prepared with a script, the speaker generally has a uniform speed for delivering the words, which will be slower than spontaneous speech due to its preparedness. He can chose to hang on certain words, pause for effect or read through the speech with limited vocal influxes. A continuous speech style allows the speaker to have the most control over the content of the speech and is the traditional method of delivering speeches to large audiences.

Professional/Read

Professional/read styles are used by teachers and reporters.

This style of speech refers to journalists or teachers who are doing their jobs; journalists on the radio, for example, reading the news, or teachers reading a lesson plan to students. Professional is also a general style for speeches or prepared statements to be delivered. If a speaker has particular authority on the subject, his performance and the vocal influxes he uses may be more confident and pronounced to assert his knowledge.

Preparation

Delivering an effective speech is all about preparation. Write the speech out and read it to friends, editing it down with each critique. Whittling the speech down from the original draft will help keep the speech to the point, succinct and relevant. Even when answering questions, writing sample answers will help the speaker memorize key points and hone the answer. Practice vocal influxes and different pause points to give the words the desired emphasis.

References

• Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Speaking Styles in Speech Research; Joaquim Llisterri; July 1992
• McGraw Hill's Mayfield Handbook of Technical & Scientific Writing; Delivery; 2001