Dear Student,

I am glad to hear that you have been selected to deliver a manuscript speech at the
upcoming event. I know that you may feel nervous or anxious about speaking in front
of an audience, but I want to assure you that you have the skills and the potential to do
a great job.
A manuscript speech is a type of speech that is written out word for word and read
from a paper or a teleprompter. It is often used for formal occasions, such as academic
presentations, political speeches, or ceremonial speeches. Some of the advantages of a
manuscript speech are that it allows you to be precise, accurate, and consistent in your
message, and that it helps you avoid forgetting or omitting important information.
However, some of the challenges of a manuscript speech are that it can sound
monotonous, unnatural, or detached, and that it can reduce your eye contact and
rapport with the audience.
Therefore, to deliver a manuscript speech effectively, you need to balance between
reading your script and engaging your listeners. Here are some tips that can help you
achieve this balance:

 Prepare your script well. Make sure that your script is clear, concise, and coherent.
Use simple and familiar words, short sentences, and transitions. Avoid jargon, slang,
or complex terms that may confuse the audience. Also, make sure that your script
follows a logical structure, such as introduction, body, and conclusion, and that it has
a clear purpose, main points, and supporting evidence.
 Practice your speech. Read your script aloud several times, preferably in front of a
mirror, a recorder, or a friend. Pay attention to your pronunciation, intonation, pace,
and volume. Try to vary your tone and pitch to avoid sounding monotonous. Also,
practice your gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact. Try to look up from your
script as often as possible and scan the audience.
 Use visual aids. If possible, use visual aids, such as slides, charts, graphs, or images,
to supplement your speech. Visual aids can help you illustrate your points, emphasize
key information, and capture the audience’s attention. However, make sure that your
visual aids are relevant, simple, and easy to read. Do not overload them with too much
text or data.
 Be prepared for questions. After your speech, you may be asked questions by the
audience or the moderator. Be prepared to answer them clearly and politely. If you do
not know the answer, do not panic or make up something. Instead, admit that you do
not know and offer to find out later or refer them to another source. If you need time
to think, repeat or rephrase the question or ask for clarification.

I hope these tips will help you feel more confident about delivering a manuscript
speech effectively. Remember that you have done your research, written your script,
and practiced your speech. You have nothing to fear. Just be yourself, be enthusiastic,
and be proud of your work. I wish you all the best and I look forward to hearing your
speech.
Sincerely,
Your Teacher