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.*