Chapter Nineteen

The Body in Delivery

Chapter Nineteen

Table of ContentsFunctions of Nonverbal

Communication in DeliveryBody LanguagePracticing the Delivery*

The Body in Delivery

Aural channel Vocalizations that form and accompany

spoken wordsVisual channel

The speaker’s visual actions and appearance, such as:Facial expressionsGestures and body movementPhysical appearance and dressObjects held*

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery

Researchers have identified several ways in which nonverbal communication works together with the verbal component of a speech.*

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery

Clarifying Verbal MessagesFacilitating FeedbackEstablishing Relationships Between

Speaker and AudienceEstablishing Speaker Credibility*

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery:

Clarifying Verbal Messages

The same words spoken with different body movements or different vocal emphases convey different meanings.*

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery:

Facilitating Feedback

Being alert to the cues listeners use to communicate their pleasure or displeasure can mean the difference between an alienated audience and one that feels recognized and respected.*

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery:

Establishing Relationships Between Speaker and Audience

Nonverbal behavior (such as how you position yourself in relation to your audience) allows you to adjust your relationship with them, establishing a level of closeness and familiarity.*

Functions of Nonverbal Communication in Delivery:

Establishing Speaker Credibility

Audiences are more readily persuaded by speakers who emphasize vocal variety, eye contact, nodding, and standing with an open body position.*

Body Language

Audience members are quick to detect discrepancies between what you say and how you say it.*

Body Language

Facial ExpressionsEye ContactGesturesGeneral Body MovementDress and Objects*

Body Language:

Facial Expressions

By our facial expressions, an audience can gauge whether we are excited about or indifferent to our speech.*

Body Language:

Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact is mandatory in establishing a positive relationship with listeners, and is perhaps the most important physical action in speaking.

Scanning Moving your gaze from one audience

member to another while speaking*

Body Language:

Gestures

Head, arm, hand, and leg gestures clarify the meanings we try to convey in words.

They:Fill in gaps.Express size or shape.Express depth of emotion.Add emphasis.*

Body Language:

General Body Movement

Audience members may tire of a talking head that remains in one place behind a podium.You should strive to stand erect, but

not rigidly.*

Body Language:

Dress and Objects

The first thing an audience tends to notice is your clothing.

Avoid the distracting use of props like pens, glasses of water, or open briefcases.*

Practicing the Delivery

The more you practice, the greater your comfort level will be when you actually deliver a speech.*

Practicing the Delivery

Focus on the MessageStay Away from MirrorsRecord the SpeechBe Prepared to Revise Your Speaking

OutlinePractice Under Realistic ConditionsTime Your SpeechPlan Ahead and Practice Often*

Practicing the Delivery:

Focus on the Message

Your goal should be to get your message across, not to display extraordinary delivery skills.*

Practicing the Delivery:

Stay Away from Mirrors

Mirrors will shift your attention away from your message to worrying about how you look.*

Practicing the Delivery:

Record the Speech

To accurately gauge how you sound and look, practice with audio- or videotaping.*

Practicing the Delivery:

Be Prepared to Revise Your Speaking Outline

Be prepared to revise your speech if your introduction or conclusion isn’t as effective as you’d like it.*

Practicing the Delivery:

Practice Under Realistic Conditions

Try to simulate the actual speech setting as you practice: Picture audience and seating

arrangements. Use a makeshift podium. Begin practicing with speaking outline

until you are confident. Practice in front of a live audience.*

Practicing the Delivery:

Time Your Speech

Time your speech to ensure that you stay within the period allotted to you.

If you are exceeding your time limit, adjust sections of the speech accordingly.*

Practicing the Delivery:

Plan Ahead and Practice Often

Begin practicing your speech at least several days before you are to deliver it.

Practice your speech about five times in its final form.*