When speaking from a manuscript, you write and
deliver a speech word for word. The question is, for
whom is the manuscript method most advantageous?
1. Public figures. Since public figures are always
constrained by a hectic schedule, they need ghost
writers. Consequently, they would have to read the text
of the speech as it is. The President’s State of the Nation
Address (SONA) is a concrete example of this situation.
2. Media personalities. Speakers on radio and television
always battle with time limits. For example, a televised
panel discussion about a social issue may require radio
and TV anchors to critically choose and refine the words
of their speech in advance.
3. Spokespersons for government and private
organizations. This public speaking role requires a great
deal of contemplation and preparation. For example,
we have speeches of different country’s spokespersons
in an international seminar on climate change.
Potential Problems with the Manuscript Method
1. Since this type of speech follows a word-for-word
method, you might be tempted to skip practicing the
speech.
2. In relation to the previous point, if you fail to
practice your speech and decide to read it during the
time of delivery itself, you might be glued to the speech
all throughout. You may overlook making eye contact
with your audience. Note that glancing at the audience
only at the end of a sentence is not sufficient to
establish and maintain rapport during the speech.
3. Lastly, because everything is planned based on the
time allotted, you will surely want to cover everything
in your speech before you run out of time. This might
affect your connection with the audience, as there is a
tendency to ignore the audience and neglect
responding to their feedback when busy with the
speech. Pay attention and make sure to check and
adjust if the audience displays anxiety, impatience, or
boredom
Strategies in Organizing and Delivering the Manuscript
Speech
1. Practice! Practice delivering the speech several times.
Mark the text. Even if it’s a manuscript, know the
speech by heart. Only if you do these can you keep
frequent eye contact with the audience.
2. Adapt! Even if you have a manuscript, feel free to
modify the text when the situation demands it. If you
observe that your audience is bored, you may use
shorter yet more vigorous words. If your audience is
impatient, add words of strong motivational power. If
your audience is anxious, share personal anecdotes to
lighten the mood.
Tips in Using the Manuscript Method
1. Prepare! Keep your text easy to use by neatly
composing it in triple space.
2. Mark! Own your manuscript by highlighting key
words and phrases. This way you will be guided during
the speech delivery.
3. Practice! You can make a lot of notes on the draft of
your manuscript during the first few rehearsals, but
make sure to reprint your script, especially if you make
too many changes.
4. Practice some more! Read the text over and over
orally. This will help you avoid mispronounced words,
faulty starts, and wrong pauses. As you practice, vary
the volume, rate, and pitch of your voice during
appropriate points in the speech.
5. Concentrate! Concentrate on keeping eye contact,
but do not stare at only one section of the audience. It
is best if you familiarize yourself with the most
important parts of your speech. If you do this, you will
be more confident in looking at your audience during
the key points of the speech.
6. Act it out! Use a lectern or a podium when practicing
the speech. If you can find one before the actual speech
delivery, practice using it so that you will be used to
laying your notes flat on the podium and looking at
them once in a while
A memorized speech requires you to commit the
speech to memory so that you do not bring your notes
when delivering it. As with the manuscript speech, you
also run the risk of sounding mechanical during a
memorized delivery. For this reason, keep your
memorized speech short and work harder on your facial
expressions and the tone of your voice.
When should you memorize? Although keeping a
speech in memory is needed only on very rare
occasions, memorizing a speech can help you achieve a
smooth and effortless delivery. You do not need to
focus on notes or a manuscript. You can concentrate on
maintaining eye contact with your audience,
establishing rapport, and interacting with your
audience. Since memorizing can be very tough and
mechanical, it is best that you memorize short speeches
for special occasions. A memorized speech works best
for the introduction of a guest, acceptance of award or
recognition, toast, eulogy, tribute, and the like.