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Communicating at Work: Principles and Practices for Business and Professions, 7/e
Ronald B. Adler
Jeanne Marquardt Elmhorst

Delivering the Presentation

Chapter Overview

There are four types of presentational delivery: manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous, and impromptu. With rare exceptions, an extemporaneous style is the most effective, combining the enthusiasm that comes with spontaneity and the accuracy that comes from rehearsal. When an impromptu talk is necessary, it will be most effective if the speaker presents a clear thesis; supports it with reasons, logic, or facts; speaks without apologizing; and does not ramble on.

Good delivery involves a number of elements, including visual, verbal, and vocal ones. Most of these involve looking enthusiastic and confident and sounding well rehearsed and committed to both the topic and the audience. Speaking in front of a video camera calls for some special considerations regarding the way you appear, speak, and move.

Question-and-answer sessions are part of almost every presentation. They allow a speaker to respond to the concerns of an audience more quickly and completely than is possible in written documents. A speaker needs to decide whether to invite questions during or after the prepared part of a presentation. Handling questions during a talk permits a speaker to clarify points as they arise, although there is a risk of getting sidetracked by discussing irrelevant points or information that will come up later in a presentation. Responding to questions after the prepared segment of a talk lets the speaker keep control of both the available time and the way information is introduced. On the other hand, listeners who have to hold their questions may be too distracted to follow the speaker's other points carefully.

Anxiety about speaking is common and not always a problem. A manageable amount of anxiety causes a speaker to prepare carefully and contributes to an energetic presentation. A speaker can keep anxiety within tolerable limits by accepting it as a normal occurrence, being well prepared, and thinking rationally about the event. Rational thinking involves the realization that one need not be perfect to be effective, that no single presentation will fully persuade an entire audience, and that catastrophes are unlikely to occur.