5. Speakers can improve their speech delivery by following a five-step method.

1. First, the speaker should go over her or his preparation outline aloud.

This allows the speaker to judge how the written outline translates into spoken discourse. It also gives the speaker a chance to clarify and revise the speech as necessary.

2. Second, the speaker should prepare a speaking outline.

Preparing a speaking outline increases the speaker's familiarity with the speech.

3. Third, the speaker should practice the speech aloud several times using only the speaking outline.

At this stage, the speaker should not worry about getting everything in the speech just right. The aim is to gain control of the ideas and structure of the speech, not to learn it word by word.

4. Fourth, the speaker should polish and refine the delivery.

Practicing in front of a mirror is one way to check on nonverbal communication such as gestures and eye contact. Tape recording the speech is an excellent way to evaluate such things as rate, pauses, articulation, and vocal variety. A few practice sessions in front of other people – friends, family, roommates, etc. – can be especially valuable.

5. Fifth, the speaker should give the speech a dress rehearsal under conditions as close as possible as those he or she will face during the actual speech. It is important that the dress rehearsal incorporate every aspect of the speech, including visual aids.

In order for this method to be effective, speakers must start early. A single practice session – no matter how long – is rarely enough. Student speakers should give themselves at least a couple of days, preferably more, to gain command of the speech and its presentation.

Questions and Interruptions

Many speakers do well delivering the speech or presentation, only to falter during the question-and-answer period. The key to handling this segment effectively is prepa­ration. Spend time before your speech thinking about the questions that might arise— including abrasive or difficult questions. Then be ready with answers. In fact, some experts recommend that you hold back some dramatic statistics as ammunition for the question-and-answer session. However, bear in mind that circumstances may require some changes in the answers you prepare.

The golden rule is: Never dismiss a question. Never show you listeners to be stupid (even if they haven’t listened to anything). Never be sarcastic, or make a joke at your listener’s expense. Stay Cool! Stay Friendly! There are several techniques used to handle difficult questions.

REFLECT – back to the questioner what you thought was the question (“if I understand you correctly, you’re asking…»)

Depending on how the questioner ‘reformulates’ the question, answer OR

DEFLECT it as follows:

GROUP: “How do the rest of the group feel?”

“Has anyone else had a similar situation?”

RECOCHET: “(to one participant) “Bill, you’re an expert on this?”

REVERSE: (back to questioner) “You’ve obviously done some thinking on this. What’s your view?”