How To Deliver Speech

It's your time to deliver a speech. If you are nervous or inexperienced, you will probably want to choose to read your speech from a script or from notes. here's a look at each option.

Reading From a Script

Reading your entire speech from a script may give you confidence and ensure that nothing is forgotten or omitted, however it is the least desirable option for delivering your speech. You will find it more difficult to see your audience, and make it harder for them to get emotionally invested in you. When reading from a script it is extremely difficult to deliver your speech to your audience, rather than just read it aloud.

Using Notes

If you are not confident enough to recite your speech from memory, then the use of notes is a much more desirable option than using a complete script. Your notes should consist of the keywords or points of your speech - a skeleton of thoughts or words around which you can build your speech. You may refer to your notes occasionally to maintain the thread of your speech, but for the most part you should be able to speak directly to the audience.

Reciting From Memory

You may prefer to recite from memory. However you should only do this if you are comfortable speaking publicly, and not prone to loss of concentration (or memory!). As with reading from a script, you should be careful not to lapse into a monotonous recitation of your speech.

Summary

If you strongly favor one option, then go for it. If using any written (or printed) materials during your speech be aware that the text should be in large print, clearly sequenced and easily read at arm's length.