A manuscript speech implies reading the entire speech by referring to the

a pre-written speech word by word. printed document, or as seen on the

teleprompter. It is basically an easy
Tip! While preparing the manuscript, method of oral communication.
consider who your audience is, so as Manuscript speaking is generally
to make it effectual. employed during official meetings,
conferences, and in instances where
Making a speech comes to us as a the subject matter of the speech needs
‘task’ sometimes. Be it in school, for to be recorded. It is used especially
a meeting, or at a function; unless you when there is time constraint, and the
are at ease with public speaking, content of the talk is of prime
speeches may not be everyone’s cup importance. Conveying precise and
of tea. A flawless and well-structured succinct messages is the inherent
delivery is always welcome though. purpose of this speech. Public
Memories of delivering and listening officials speaking at conferences, and
to a variety of speeches are refreshed their speech being telecast, is a
when confronted with preparing for pertinent example.
one.
Being the most effective way of
communication, a speech is also a
powerful medium of addressing
controversial issues in a peaceful
manner. There are four types of
speeches: impromptu,
extemporaneous, manuscript, and
memorized. Each has its purpose,
style, and utility. We have definitely
heard all of them, but may not be able
to easily differentiate between them.
Let’s understand what the manuscript
type is actually like.
Definition of Manuscript Speech
This is when a speaker reads a pre-
written speech word by word to an
audience.
It is when an already prepared script Advantages and Disadvantages
is read verbatim. The speaker makes ✔  Precision in the text or the speech
helps catch the focus of the audience.
✔  It proves very effective when you
have to put forth an important point in
less time.
✔  Concise and accurate information is
conveyed, especially when talking
about contentious issues.
✘ If you are not clear in your speech
and cannot read out well, it may not
attract any attention of the audience.
✘ As compared to a direct speech, in a
manuscript that is read, the natural
flow of the speaker is lost. So is the
relaxed, enthusiastic, interactive, and
expressive tone of the speech lost.
✘ A manuscript speech can become
boring if read out plainly, without any
effort of non-verbal communication
with the audience.
Tips for an Appealing Manuscript
Speech
❶ Use a light pastel paper in place of
white paper to lessen the glare from
lights.
❷ Make sure that the printed or
written speech is in a bigger font size
than normal, so that you can
comfortably see what you are reading,
which would naturally keep you calm.
❸ Mark the pauses in your speech
with a slash, and highlight the
important points.
❹ You can even increase the spacing
between words for easier reading (by
double or triple spacing the text).
❺ Highlight in bold the first word of a
new section or first sentence of a
paragraph to help you find the correct
line faster.
❻ Don’t try to memorize the text,
highlights, or the pauses. Let it come in
the flow of things.
❼ Practice reading it out aloud
several times, or as many times as you
can.
❽ Try keeping a smile on your face
while reading.
❾ Keep in mind that a manuscript
speech does not mean ‘mere reading
out’. Maintaining frequent eye contact
with the audience helps involving them
into the subject matter.