In chapter 12 of this week's reading, one of the topics was the different speaking styles and the uses, pros, and cons of each. I found this section interesting since I never thought of there being different speaking styles. I've always thought of public speaking as preparing an outline and then giving the speech.
One of the first types of speaking styles includes extemporaneous, which is the style that we have been using for this class. It involves the most research and preparation, since you are expected to be an expert on the topic that you are speaking about so that you can give the speech several different times and having it be different each time. This is the speaking style most commonly used in the workplace, since it is used for meetings and classroom and community presentations.
The next type is impromptu. This speaking style involves no preparation time, and thus no practice in giving the speech. Unless one is an excellent speaker, Impromptus are usually disorganized and choppy. This is usually used for most question and answer types of speeches.
The third type is the manuscript speech. With this speaking style, the speech is prepared word for word, sometimes so that the speaker can time something perfectly within the speech. One can also plan out exactly what they want to say, so they don't leave out anything important. This speaking style is used mostly by politicians when they are speaking to their constituents.
The last speaking style is the memorized style. This is the style that requires the most preparation time since the speaker must memorize every aspect of the speech. Unfortunately the words used in this style will seem flat and artificial to the audience. One of the advantages include being able to give the speech without notes, and the speaker will know how the speech is organized and will not have any problems remembering what to say. This speaking style is used mostly for speeches given during ceremonies.
To speak extemporaneously is to be prepared, but also prepared to adapt. In my opinion the best speakers learn to write their speeches down, but they neither memorize nor read them. The best audience connections come from somewhere in between. I believe this true because the use of a page creates a barrier between the presenter and the audience. Engaging the audience is easier when speaking extemporaneously, and eye contact is a powerful way to connect with an audience. 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.
ReplyDeleteI think that memorized speeches would be the hardest. One little misstep and you may be at a road block, trying to find your spot. I have enjoyed the extemporous speeches. I took a business speaking class a long time ago and we had to do a lot of impromptu speeches. They were fun when you drew a topic you knew about, but not so much when you got a topic you didn't know about!!
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