Steps Involved in the Preparation for Public Speech

Delivery of a public speech is a difficult task for some persons. It is frightening for them. It can be facilitated by guidance and practice. It requires some preparation before the delivery which involves the following three stages:

Planning is an essential requirement for the delivery of a public speech. It facilitates the speaker to prepare and deliver the speech in an effective manner. It is the preliminary stage. The speaker plans the content and method of delivery keeping the audience and occasion in mind.

This is the next stage after planning. The speaker collects the required material, creates an outline, prepares the first draft, and edits the draft.

This is the final stage. The speaker appears before the audience to deliver the speech. Fluency plays a vital role at the time of delivery.

The way in which a speaker delivers the speech makes the difference. There are different methods of delivery, but the below mentioned ones are most popular. Each of them has its advantages as well as limitations. The selection of method largely depends on the purpose of the speech. The speaker chooses either of them as per the demand of situation.

Some speakers rely on their memory. They memorize entire text of the speech and present it word to word. They not only need to prepare well, but also have to rehearse it before the delivery. This rehearsal makes the speaker well prepared for the speech. Speaker's memory

plays a crucial role in this method. Memorizing facilitates her/him in making better eye-contact with the audience. S/he can add or delete some points on the spot. But it has the limitation as well. The speaker can miss some point or part of the speech at the time of delivery which can harm her/his reputation.

In this method, the speaker walks in with a copy of written manuscript of the speech, and reads it out verbatim. As the speaker holds the manuscript, it adds confidence to an inexperienced speaker. It has the advantage that the speaker may not miss any point or part of the speech. It also reduces the margin of error. But it has the limitation that s/he will not be able to make eye contact with the audience. The delivery can become monotonous and boring.

In this method, the speaker prepares slides and explains them orally. It is considered a better way of delivery. It provides flexibility to the speaker. S/he can make required changes then and there. The audience can also view the main points that the speaker is going to describe. But it requires a computer and a projector to display the slides.

Impromptu means 'without advance preparation'. An impromptu speech is delivered at spur of the moment. The speaker is asked to say a few words on some issue or topic without prior notice or intimation. The speaker needs to speak without any kind of preparation. It

is necessary for the speaker to have knowledge of the subject matter in advance.

This is an effective method of delivery. The speaker carries few cards or notes having main points written on them. S/he explains each point to the audience orally. However s/he carries the cards, but relies on her/his memory and refers to the cards if needed. This kind of

delivery sounds convincing and natural. It includes the advantages of both, the memorizing as well as reading out method. It gives the impression that the Speaker knows the subject and has prepared well for the speech.

Public Speech- Introduction

Communication- Introduction

Communication- Types

Effective Communication- Tips

Interview- Introduction

Group Discussion- Introduction

Group Discussion- Characteristics

Group Discussion- Essential Requirements

Group Discussion- Process