TYPES OF SPEECHES

Impromptu, Extemporaneous, Manuscript,

Memory
Types of Speeches
• On the Spot Speech
• Impromptu
• Prepared Speeches
• Manuscript
• Memorized
• Extemporaneous
Impromptu
• Impromptu - the speaker is given no time to prepare for
the speech; he or she is given a topic and must
immediately begin speaking on it.
• This speaking style involves thinking on one's feet and
being able to plan the flow of the speech as the speaker is
giving it.
Source: Boundless. ―Key Differences between Prepared and Impromptu Speeches.‖ Boundless Communications. Boundless, 19 Jan. 2015.
Retrieved 20 Jan. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/communications/textbooks/boundless-communications-textbook/delivering-the-
speech-12/methods-of-delivery-62/key-differences-between-prepared-and-impromptu-speeches-250-4208/
Prepared Speeches
• The most common type of speech is a prepared
speech.
• For a prepared speech, the speaker has been
• given the topic in advance,
• had time to do background research on it,
• and has practiced delivering the speech.
• preparation does not necessarily mean
memorizing every word.
Source: Boundless. ―Key Differences between Prepared and Impromptu Speeches.‖ Boundless Communications. Boundless, 19 Jan. 2015.
Retrieved 20 Jan. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/communications/textbooks/boundless-communications-textbook/delivering-the-
speech-12/methods-of-delivery-62/key-differences-between-prepared-and-impromptu-speeches-250-4208/
Prepared speeches
• Extemporaneous - An extemporaneous speech is often
delivered with the aid of note cards to help the speaker
remember key points and content order.
• Memorized - recited from memory without the aid of
scripts or cue cards
• Manuscript - the entire speech written out for
reference. The speaker reads the speech verbatim from
a prepared written text containing the entire speech. An
example of this type of speech would be a presidential
address or a commencement address.

Source: Boundless. ―Key Differences between Prepared and Impromptu Speeches.‖ Boundless Communications. Boundless, 19 Jan. 2015. Retrieved 20 Jan. 2015 from
https://www.boundless.com/communications/textbooks/boundless-communications-textbook/delivering-the-speech-12/methods-of-delivery-62/key-differences-between-
prepared-and-impromptu-speeches-250-4208/
• Speakers delivering an extemporaneous speech prepare
well by having an outline to practice in advance, giving full
attention to all the facets of the speech—content,
arrangement, and delivery.
How do you extemporize?
• Use a keyword outline.

• Arrangement & delivery refers to presentation cues

such as: ―pause,‖ ―transition,‖ or ―talk slowly.‖

• Because a keyword outline uses only limited words, it

helps you speak extemporaneously because you aren’t
tied to specific wording.
SAMPLE OUTLINE
Below is an example of a keyword outline.
Topic: Reality TV is harmful to society
• Main Point One: Violence
a) Constant fighting
a) House wives, Bad Girls Club
a) John Gerbner: ―see violence—practice it‖
b) Sub-Point Two: ―Happy Violence‖ syndrome
a) Gerbner: problems solved by violence – think its ―okay‖
• Main Point Two: Negative influence to young audiences
• Young women

• The University of Southern Mississippi Speaking Center www.usm.edu/speakingcenter