You can classify speeches by the manner in which the speaker presents them to the audience. This classification is based on the delivery method. Speakers use several ways to deliver their speeches:

Impromptu

You deliver this type of speech “on the spur of the moment,” relying solely on your ability to speak instantly. You’ve likely done this in class when your teacher asks you to explain or justify your answers without looking at your notes. You also see this in beauty pageants, where the judges or master of ceremonies ask the candidate a question on the spot. Often, contestants stammer or stutter because they feel overwhelmed by the number of spectators or other intimidating factors. While this is not easy, anyone can prepare for impromptu speeches. To be successful, you need to:

• Consider the question or statement you are about to address.
• Speak briefly but cover the significant points.
• Compose yourself as you organize your thoughts logically.
• Be mindful of what you say but not overly self-conscious.
• Breathe properly.

Extemporaneous

This speech allows the speaker to prepare their thoughts and delivery method. Notecards or short outlines on a small sheet of paper help significantly in organizing the speech. These notes or prompts guide you but allow you to use your own words throughout, which makes this type of delivery different from impromptu speeches, where there’s no time to prepare. In an extemporaneous speech, you are given time to prepare. To succeed, you need to:

• Do research on the topic.
• Practice delivering the speech enough to gain self-confidence.

Manuscript

Before delivering this speech, the speaker prepares a manuscript that they must present word for word. The speaker must use this when they cannot afford to make mistakes or when they must read the script exactly as written. When do we see this type of speech? When a researcher presents experimental results to the public; when the president of a country delivers the State of the Nation Address and cannot afford mistakes in figures or statistics; when a speaker delivers a plenary speech with limited time, requiring a written speech; or when a speaker reads a piece of literature, such as a poem, for interpretation. However, manuscript speeches can be boring, so you should connect with the audience by making eye contact and varying your intonation, rate, and rhythm. Pause occasionally to look at the listeners and stay animated. Without animation, the audience may become disinterested. To succeed, you need to:

• Focus on key phrases and highlight keywords on your manuscript.
• Practice your speech repeatedly.
• Glance at highlighted words to remember which idea comes next.
• Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the substance and sequence of your main points.
• Maintain a conversational tone.
• Periodically look at your audience.

Memorized

This method usually sounds mechanical and is seldom used or recommended. If you choose to memorize, you should:

• Keep it short.
• Add expression to your voice.

How you deliver your speech is important, as an audience may refuse to listen if you do not use an effective presentation method suited to your purpose, audience, and context. The good news is that this skill can be learned. With practice, speaking effectively before an audience becomes easier and more personally satisfying as you feel the energy generated by your speech being reflected back by the audience.