Chapter 8: Delivery and Visual Resources

Chapter 8:

Visual Resources

I. Benefits of Visuals: Visual resources create interest in a topic, enhance a speaker's credibility, and aid in comprehension and

retention of the material.

II. Types of Visual Aids

A. Chalkboard

Chalkboards are the most accessible visual aid
Practice writing + talking
Make sure the writing is legible
Avoid writing on the chalkboard if possible (use as a last resort)

B. Poster and Graphs

Good for hard to understand information
Keep it simple
Use Large Scale! writing
Face audience while referring to poster
If using flip charts, uncover them as you talk but possibly put blank papers in between your material

so that people will not be distracted by looking at your charts during your presentation.
Color and design. Avoid green on red because color blind people may be confused and make sure

there is enough contrast between your font and background. Keep your background simple so people

can easily read the words.
Bar (comparison), line (increases, decreases), pie (proportion)

C. Overhead Projectors

Your transparencies must be prepared in advance and you must have access to an overhead
projector.
Dim lights as you present material from the overhead projector.
Make sure the font is large and that your transparencies contain key words and phrases
Turn the machine off when not in use
Have a back up plan (handouts, e.g.)

D. Objects, Models

Make sure they are visible to ALL
Decide whether to or not to cover when not in use or leave them on display

E. People (demonstrations)

Make sure all can see your demonstration

F. Handouts

Handouts are usually distracting
You may consider giving them to the audience for them to take home at then end of the presentation
You may walk through the audience. For example, put them face down in front of the audience members and
then instruct them when to turn over pages and discourage them from reading ahead.

G. PowerPoint

Avoid clutter

Use key words (slide & lines)

Use LARGE FONT

Standard font (Times, Arial)

Have a Plan B (handouts)

E. Photos

Enlarge or project to make them BIG enough for all to see
Avoid passing them around if possible

III. Using Visuals

Make sure they are LARGE and easy to read
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Don’t display visuals till ready
Don’t stand in front of your visual aids
Refer to your visual
Talk to the audience. Not your visual aid
Avoid distributing materials during your speech
Check equipment beforehand

Delivery

Delivery refers to the presentation of material using the voice and body.

I. Four Modes of Delivery

A. Extemporaneous: Refers to speeches that are prepared, practiced, conversational. This style is used for most

most public speaking engagements. The advantage of this style is that you can adapt to audience feedback.

B. Impromptu: Refers to “Off the cuff” presentations where no formal preparation is done. It is best to be as simple and

direct as possible.

C. Manuscript: Involves reading the speech. It is used when accuracy is essential and more formal speaking engagements.

It can be boring.

D. Memorized: Refers to a speech delivered from memory. Used only for short speaking engagements such as toasts

or introductory remarks. It does not allow for feedback from the audience and it may be easy to forget your material!

I. Vocal Aspects of Delivery

A. Pitch: Highness or lowness of the voice or its placement on a musical scale. Pitch tends to go up when nervous.

B. Rate: Speed of delivery. The speaking rate for most people is 125-190 words per minute but rate varies from

     speaker to speaker. Both slower and faster rates can be effective. For example, John F. Kennedy spoke more

     quickly than average while Ronald Regan spoke more slowly than average but both are considered to be

     effective speakers. Studies have documented regional differences whereby southerners (in the US) speak

     more slowly than northerners. Generally speaking, use a slower rate for complex material.

C. Pauses: Pauses can be used effectively as transitions or for dramatic effect. However, pauses can have a

negative impact on speaker's credibility is used in the form of "nonfluencies" or "vocalized pauses" such as "um,"

"uh," "you know."

C. Volume: Loudness or softness of the voice. Make sure everyone can hear you as you give your speech. You may need

to "project" your voice if you have a fairly large crowd. Use a microphone if necessary. Make sure it is in working

order beforehand and keep in mind you will have to speak more slowly and articulately if you use a microphone.

D. Enunciation: Includes two parts, pronunciation and articulation. Pronunciation: Agreed upon rules for syllabic

emphasis. The classic example is the word tomato. Articulation refers to the crispness of sounds. An example of

poor articulation would be leaving the final g off of words like coming, going, leaving, etc.

E. Fluency: The smoothness of the delivery. A fluent speech flows well. It is possible to appear too fluent and be seen

as too "smooth" or glib.

F. Vocal Variety: Vocal variety is the opposite of a monotone and includes variations in

inflections and intonation. Speaking in a monotone may bore the audience and lead to decreased comprehension of the

material.

I. Bodily Aspects of Delivery

A. Gestures: Movements of hand, arms, body. Gestures can be used to illustrate or emphasize points and makes

the speaker more dynamic and interesting.

B. Facial Expression: An animated face is more interesting to watch and facial expressions can be used to

communicate emotion, express ideas, etc.

C. Eye-contact: Don’t stare at wall or any one spot, but connect with your audience. Glace at all sides of room, each

person 2-3 seconds at a time. Don't forget about the people on the perimeters. Know your speech well so you don't

have to over-focus on your notes.

D. Movement: Will increase dynamism. Movement must be natural to be effective. For more informal

speaking engagements, don't be afraid to break away from the podium.

E. Physical appearance: Before you speak choose appropriate clothing and pay attention to grooming. Before you

speak, walk firmly to the podium and then take a moment to collect your thoughts before you speak. Smile at

the audience and begin.

F. Large vs. small: Smaller audiences are more intimate and you can make eye-contact with everyone in the room.

For larger audiences, make sure you address different areas: left, right, middle, front back.

G. Camera: Treat the camera as a person and address that person.