Public Speaking students will need to utilize effective speaking notes in order to deliver a proper extemporaneous speech.
- Create speaking notes to assist with extemporaneous delivery.
You have successfully written your speech, now what? Writing and delivering a successful speech are not the same. You may have written the most brilliant of speeches but if you cannot deliver it effectively, your message will not reach your audience and you will have failed as a speaker. Remember that we are aiming for an extemporaneous delivery. This delivery method takes extensive preparation. This section explores how you can prepare your notes and practice for effective speech delivery.
Your preparation outline and speaking notes are separate documents.
While speaking notes are personal to each speaker, there are several things you should think about as you are preparing your speaking notes.
Organization: Your notes should help you deliver your content in the precise order that you have planned.
- You can organize your notes by speech part (introduction, main point #1, main point #2, conclusion, etc.) to keep your thoughts organized.
- If you are using cards, number your cards so you can keep them in order.
Easy to Read: You should be able to glance at the cards, get your bearings, and look back at the audience.
- Color-coding is often done to easily distinguish the cards at a glance. Losing your place can be very stressful to you and distracting to the audience.
- Use large print. You should be able to read something on your card by glancing, not peering at it. A few keywords and phrases, written in large, bold print with plenty of white space between them, will help you.
For additional tips on preparing speaking notes, visit this website: https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-Notes-for-Public-Speaking
Using Speaking Notes
Now that you have created your speaking notes, how will you ensure you use them effectively?
Rehearse using your notes: You will not know if your speaking notes are effective (easy to read, have the “right” keywords, and help you to deliver effectively) if you do not rehearse with them. Just like your preparation outline, your speaking notes will go through several revisions. This process will make your speech delivery stronger.
Figure out how to hold your notes: Notes are a normal part of giving a presentation. You do not need to conceal them from the audience but you also need to make sure they are not distracting. Practice how you will use your notes while engaging in eye contact with the audience and using other nonverbal delivery strategies (such as movement and gestures).
Revise your notes while rehearsing: Your speaking notes may change as you practice your speech. Practicing will help you to know which keywords are working and which are not. You may need to add reminders (click to next slide, smile, breath, etc.) or markers to draw your attention quickly to certain parts of the speech. Revisions will help you to deliver a natural and conversational speech while not leaving out important content.
Extemporaneous speaking requires the ability to alternate one’s gaze between the audience and one’s notes. Practicing while using your notes will help you to develop the ability to maintain eye contact with your audience while referring to your notes. When you are giving a speech that is well prepared and well-rehearsed, you will only need to look at your notes occasionally. This is an ability that will develop even further with practice.
