This article throws light upon the four main ways of speech presentation. The ways are: 1. Speaking from a Manuscript 2. Speaking from Memory 3. Impromptu Delivery 4. Extemporaneous Delivery.

Way # 1. Speaking from a Manuscript:

In this form of delivery you read your speech directly from a manuscript. This form is common in radio and television speeches. At conventions and business meetings the manuscript is helpful for the speaker who would like his speech to be circulated.

An obvious advantage of this method is that it puts no strain on your memory. Another advantage is that the manuscript, having been written well in advance of the speech situation, enables you to be very selective and meticulous in your style and choice of materials.

However, there are also serious disadvantages to this type of delivery. One marked disadvantage is that you often lose sight of the importance of communication. You read your remarks and many times fail to establish a rapport with your listeners. The manuscript becomes more significant than the audience, and all sense of spontaneity is forgotten.

Way # 2. Speaking from Memory:

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The memorized speech, much like the manuscript, allows you the advantage of a carefully worked out and worded speech. Every single word is committed to memory and this, of course, frees you from the manuscript.

One problem of the memorized speech is that this “freedom” often leads to mechanical delivery and the presentation of what often appears to be a “canned” speech. The memorized speech is also dangerous because one is apt to forget the entire speech. It is often difficult to recall the exact wording; and if you forget one word, you may forget the entire speech.

Way # 3. Impromptu Delivery:

When you are asked to speak on the spur of the moment, without advance notice or time for specific preparation, you are engaging in impromptu speaking. It has been remarked that much of our conversation is nothing more than a series of short, impromptu talks.

When facing an impromptu situation, you must quickly tie together all your thoughts in a few seconds or minutes. The best preparation for impromptu speaking is being well informed and having practice in prepared speaking situations. The speaker who knows how to prepare a speech when time is not a factor in preparation will have little trouble in making the transition to the spur-of-the moment occasion.

Way # 4. Extemporaneous Delivery:

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The extemporaneous delivery is often referred to as the “middle course”. This particular speech form is by far the most desirable of the four we have listed. Therefore, we will examine it in some detail.

Extemporaneous speaking calls for the speech to be:

(a) Researched,

(b) Outlined,

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(c) Practiced, and

(d) Delivered in a conversational manner.

Because you know about the speaking assignment beforehand, you have time to conduct research to gather the necessary information. For example, if you were going to give an extemporaneous speech on the various causes of water pollution, you would have to begin by finding out all you could about the particular subject. This investigation should be complete and thorough.

Once the data is gathered, the extemporaneous speaker must organize and outline the material into a clear and systematic pattern. A major advantage of the extemporaneous speech is that it is prepared in advance, and is therefore well organized.

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This time factor also means you can practice the speech and clarify your thinking. The exact language for delivery is not memorized; instead, the speaker learns the organizational pattern, main points and sub-points. The focus, during practice, is on ideas, not specific words.

Extemporaneous delivery usually means that notes will be employed. When using notes you should follow a few guidelines.

First, your notes should be on small stiff cards rather than on long sheets of paper. Because a card is small, it will not impede any of your gestures. In addition, a small note card allows you to maintain eye contact with the audience.

Second, you should only write down what it takes to remind you of your main points and sub-points. Third, write important quotations and statistics on note cards so that you don’t accidentally mislead the audience.

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