Choosing a Speaking Style
Extemporaneous Speeches Keep Listeners Interested and Engaged
Sep 16, 2008
There are four main ways to deliver a speech: reading from the page, speaking from memory, presenting spontaneously, or extemporaneously engaging the audience. Most business presenters will have an opportunity to try each of these styles, but the balance between preparation and spontaneity that comes from extemporaneous speaking is the most effective.
Reading a Prepared Speech
Professional speakers and public speech teachers shun the idea of reading a speech. The page creates a barrier between the presenter and the audience. Typically, when a speech is read:
- There is no eye contact.
- Intonation is flat.
- The reader cannot adapt to the audience.
Reading from the page is expected only if the speaker is a reading a prepared statement that was reviewed by an attorney – not the best occasion for giving a speech regardless.
Memorizing a Speech
Great orators of a century ago would memorize speeches of an hour or more as a matter of course. These speakers were more showmen than anything else, and they crafted their performances as carefully as any actor on stage today. In addition to the words they spoke, they also learned the intonation, facial expressions, and gestures that made their long litanies interesting to their audiences.
Memorizing a speech makes it difficult to stop for questions or otherwise interact – the speaker can easily lose his train of thought, and not remember his place in the text.
Spontaneous Presentation
“Spontaneous” generally translates to “unprepared,” and it shows. Very few people can present a speech in an organized fashion without some type of notes to guide them. Avoid unprepared speaking at all costs – it leaves a strong impression of a lack of professionalism.
Extemporaneous Speaking
To speak extemporaneously is to be prepared, but also prepared to adapt. Elements of a good extemporaneous speech include:
- Notes. A rule of thumb is to summarize thirty minutes’ speaking on an index card. Write down the entire presentation, but summarize the main points only as a reference for the actual speech.
- Knowledge. With only a few notes, a speaker needs to know his topic well. He can only project expertise if he possesses it.
- Eye contact. Engaging the audience is easier when speaking extemporaneously, and eye contact is a powerful way to connect with an audience.
- Adaptation. This speaking style allows for flexibility. Important questions can be answered without throwing the speaker off – a quick check of the notes will put the speech back on track. The audience will feel more connected to a speaker that can adapt to its needs.
Whether it is a sales presentation, an acceptance, or simply the introduction of another speaker, an extemporaneous speech is the best way to keep an audience’s interest.
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