Public Speakers and Their Delivery Success

The most challenging and longest part to delivering an effective presentation that is inspiring,  well received and goal-focused is to plan that kind of speech presentation.  This component being achieved (that of good preparation), the next part to delivering effective and memorable presentations is to deliver them with impact.  Here are a few common questions speakers ask when making presentations to one and / or many listeners.

1. What should I know before delivering my speech? 
Please visit the Public Speaking Planning Overview for Extemporaneous Speakers article for help.

2. What are the different ways I can choose to deliver my speech?
 The four popular delivery styles to making presentations are: extemporaneous delivery, manuscript delivery, memorized
delivery, and impromptu delivery.
    
Extemporaneous delivery style: This speaking style is carefully planned and rehearsed with the intent to sound spontaneous and conversational.  Therefore, notes are bullet reminders of important points to jog the memory and are used only when needed.

Memorized delivery style:  This speaking style is carefully planned and rehearsed in the same manner that actors prepare for their parts on stage. The script is memorized word for word and delivered accordingly.  The speaker who chooses this style should have dramatic training to sound natural as well as to be able to handle mental blocks.
 
Manuscript delivery style:  This speaking style entails the use of a written script that is read word for word by the speaker.  To be effective the speaker must have training as a speech reader (to look and sound as if s/he is not reading) and as a speech writer (to develop speeches using language appropriate for speaking and listening. Such language is easy on the speaker’s lips and listener’s ears.

Impromptu delivery style:  This speaking style is the most challenging that entails a spur of the moment organization of ideas that the speaker will present.  The impromptu speaker needs to be knowledgeable and experienced and confident as a presenter.

It is highly recommended that you select the kind of delivery style that tends to be warm and inviting as well as prepared.  This style is the extemporaneous delivery style.

3. How can you help listeners to attend and be more responsive to important ideas?
Successful presenters integrate the use of emphasis techniques (better known as ‘wake-up’ calls) to help listeners attend to those ideas you want them to hear and remember.   Examples of different types of emphasis techniques are:

  • Restatement of important points (at least 3X)

  • Use of vocal variety.  (Slow down for important ideas;  get  louder or even softer for important ideas, etc.)

  • Use of definite facial expressions, body language and movement.  (longer eye contact,  moving forward and closer to the audience, emphatic gestures, etc.)

  • Use of the deliberate pause (stopping between important ideas or even in the middle of one to create a kind of cliff-hanger effect, etc.)

  • Refer to the audience by name, or by their experiences, or by their companies (link to them and use such words as:  you, to you, to your, yours, yourselves, us, we, our, ourselves, etc. )

  • Use ‘pointing out’ statements that preface the important idea(s) that will follow them.  They set up a ‘must listen to what comes next’ mode. (Examples:  hear me out;  this is the most important point;  the bottom line is;   write this down;   let me say this slowly;  read my lips; what I am about to say will change your life;  etc.)

4. How can I word my speech so it is easy to listen to and follow?
Know the difference between written language and spoken language.

  • Written language is comprised of longer and more complex sentences, formal vocabulary, and the ability for the reader to re-read what is written as many times as needed.

  • Spoken language is comprised of shorter and less formal sentences, more contractions and pronouns, vivid and descriptive vocabulary, and takes into account that the listener has one chance to listen.

It is suggested that you first speak your ideas and then write them down on paper.

5. How can I be prepared for unforeseen circumstances when I deliver my speech?
To deliver in calm as well as stormy weather, the public speaker must exercise the ‘what if’ technique during the preparation stage of speech making.

Think about all possible events that may occur (both positive and negative in nature) and prepare ahead of time to manage each one.  How will you cope or WHAT IF the power point is not happening?  Or someone asks a hostile question or asks something you are not prepared to answer?  Or the speaker before you covered most of what you prepared?  Etc., etc.

6. How do you handle different types of audience questions?
After you finished your presentation, you may hear yourself or the moderator ask:  ‘are there any questions?’  You are now prepared to continue in the Q and A session, a good time for interaction, staying goal focused, remaining poised and sharing more of what you know.  Here are a few reminders when handling the most popular experiences during the Q and A.

  • No one asks a question – Be prepared to say:  "I am usually asked…."  Or "I was hoping that you would have asked about…."  Or "I am usually asked…"  Never leave the stage without answering any questions, especially when an appeal for questions was made to the audience.

  • The Hostile Question Type:  Maintain control and sound like a computer in delivery by not showing  any emotional reactions.  Have the questioner identify himself/herself to remove the veil of anonymity.  Use ‘I believe’ – ‘you seem to believe’ statements without sounding judgmental.  Confirm your interpretation of the question by restating its essence (as you see it) and look and speak to the entire audience.  Do not get stuck in a dialogue with one person.

  •  The Monopolizing Question Type:  Respond with brevity and clarity. Involve other audience members and move on by inviting the questioner to speak further with you after the Q and A session.

  • The Out – Of - Left – Field Question Type:  Ask the rest of your audience:  "Is there anyone else concerned with this issue?’’  If there is no concern, respond with focus and brevity as well as an invitation to speak with you later.

  • The I-Don’t-Know-The-Answer Question Type:  Avoid double talk.  Say:  "I did not focus on this"  or  "I do not know"  with confidence in your delivery and then refer to the focus of your presentation.  Invite the questioner to speak with you afterwards so that you may share the vast amount of information you have on that subject and/or that you may offer to connect him/her to an expert colleague.  If such an expert is in your audience then invite that individual to speak to the question.  Remember to respect the timing of any interaction. 

7. What if I am not finished (as planned) and I have run out of time?
When you are given the time warning, respect it. Finish your thought and then move smoothly to your conclusion.  Use the transition by saying ‘I have so much more to say and yet time is running out.  Let me finish with these thoughts.’  OR  ‘As you can see my passion for this topic enables me to go on and on ….and yet I won’t."  Move to your concluding remarks.

There are many more reminders for an excellent delivery presence.  The actual delivery of your speech is the climax to all of the hours spent in planning and preparation.  This is the time to enjoy the spotlight and reap the fruits of your hard work.  It is at this time that you will feel the chemistry in the air – the natural high that is created by the charismatic public speaker – audience rapport.  Enjoy it.