ORGANIZING AND DELIVERING MEMORIZED SPEECH

I. Definition

A memorized speech requires you to commit the speech to memory so that you do not bring your notes when delivering it. As
with the manuscript speech, you also run the risk of sounding mechanical during a memorized delivery. For this reason, keep your
memorized speech short and work harder on your facial expressions and the tone of your voice.

II. Usage

Although keeping a speech in memory is needed only on very rare occasions, memorizing a speech can help you achieve a
smooth and effortless delivery. You do not need to focus on notes or a manuscript. You can concentrate on maintaining eye contact
with your audience, establishing rapport, and interacting with your audience.
Since memorizing can be very tough and mechanical, it is best that you memorize short speeches for special occasions. A
memorized speech works best for the introduction of a guest, acceptance of award or recognition, toast, eulogy, tribute, and the like.

III. Disadvantages

1. You might forget what you are supposed to say. Long pauses can create a very awkward moment between you and your audience.

2. You might memorize the speech mechanically. This can result in a very unnatural delivery.

3. You might focus on content. Consequently, groping for the right words might make you look uptight and stiff.

4. You might be too tied to remembering your script. This will give you no chance to pay attention and respond to audience feedback.

IV. Advantages

1. You do not need notes anymore. Since the speech is memorized, you do not have to worry about when to read and when to glance
at your audience.

2. You can plan gestures, facial expressions, and movement. When you know the speech by heart, it will be easier for you to work on
nonverbal communication.

3. You can concentrate on visual aids and props. A memorized speech will help you focus more on your props if you have any.

4. You will feel more confident. If you know that you have committed the speech to memory, you will not be anxious about running out
of words or not knowing what to say.

V. Tips in Memorizing a Speech

1. Break it down! You cannot memorize a speech in one sitting. If your speech has four paragraphs, you should focus on one
paragraph at a time. Once you have memorized the first paragraph, focus on the next one.

2. Build it up! After memorizing the speech in snippets, you need to put them together. Recite the first paragraph and move on to the
second. After this, recite the first and second paragraphs and move on to the third. The next thing you know, you have completed your
speech.

3. Speak out! Do not memorize the speech silently. When you recite your speech over and over while memorizing it, your brain
multitasks and aids your memory retention.

4. Identify keys! Identify a key point in every paragraph. Even if you miss out some of the words in the actual speech delivery, you can
easily expound on the key points.

5. Have a break! After memorizing some parts of your speech, take a break for some hours or for a day. After this, recite the speech
again. This will test how well you can recall what you think you have memorized.

6. Record and listen! Record yourself delivering the speech and listen to it over and over again. Like a song, the speech will get stuck in
your head.

7. Use note cards! Write one key point on one note card. Bring these note cards wherever you go and take them out whenever you
have extra time to memorize, especially during idle times of the day.

Activity: Speeches for special occasions are a perfect fit for a memorized speech because they are short and simple. Now, choose any
of the following occasions and write a five sentence speech that you will deliver in class.
1. Introducing a person 4. Accepting an award
2. Giving a toast during a wedding 5. Giving tribute to a person, place, or event
3. Presenting an award
 ORGANIZING AND DELIVERING IMPROMPTU SPEECH

I. Definition

Impromptu speeches are delivered with little or no time for preparation. In most instances, you are called to speak at the spur
of the moment because you are expected to be knowledgeable about the subject.
For example, your teacher assigned you to read an article before the class starts. Then, during the class you were asked to
deliver an impromptu speech about what you have learned from the article. Another instance to illustrate an impromptu situation is
when you are asked by a friend or a relative about your current or planned vacation trip or when you are campaigning for a position in
school and you are asked by your fellow students to respond to their questions.

II. Strategies

Below are some of the strategies that you can follow when you organize and deliver an impromptu speech.

1. Past, Present, Future

Example: In the past, I was not comfortable in making impromptu speeches because I could not think right away of what to
say; maybe it was because of nervousness and lack of time to prepare. At present, however, I am enjoying it because I constantly
practice and keep on exposing myself to any speaking situation. In the future, I look forward to teaching others how to survive
impromptu speech situations.

2. Point-Reason-Example/Explanation-Point

3. Opening, Rule of Three, Clinche

In some cases, you may find yourself unaware of or uninterested in the topic. This usually happens and it is inevitable.
Distinguished Toastmaster Craig Harrison (2010) shares the following strategies that can help you address the problem.

a.  Bridging. This entails building a connection between what you do know and what you do not know.

b.  Reframing. This means rephrasing or redefining the topic into something that you want to talk about. This usually occurs
if you think the topic is inappropriate or it is not meant for you.

If you are given a topic that you do not like or is not right for you, don’t despair. Simply reframe it as a topic you’d like to
respond to. Redefine the topic as you believe it should be, or at least the way you’d like it to be. Keep the structure but
 alter the subject. Rephrase the question or even challenge it; you can even argue why the question given is not the right
question at all.

c.  Playing Devil’s Advocate. This refers to you standing on the opposite side.

III. Tips

Activity: Photo Prompts.

Each group will prepare a picture reflecting its members’ interest. These shall be printed in a letter-size bond paper. The
speaker per group shall pick one in exemption of their group’s picture. Once it’s a speaker’s turn to speak, the teacher will show the
speaker his chosen picture. You have two minutes to prepare and two minutes to speak. Your teacher will signal once you have
reached the time limit.
 ORGANIZING AND DELIVERING EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH

I. Definition

An extemporaneous speech is a planned and prepared speech. Unlike memorized or manuscript speeches which are delivered word-
for-word, an extemporaneous speech is delivered with the help of short notes and a clear outline.
Most people who speak in public often prefer the extemporaneous method of delivery. Although it might look more challenging than the
manuscript or memorized speeches, it is more spontaneous and personal.

II. Three Steps in Studying your Extemporaneous Topic

1. Identify the type of extemporaneous question that you have to answer.

• Is it a question of fact?
This type of question is typically answerable by “Yes” or “No.” It revolves around whether something is true or not,
existent or not.

Example: Q Is Syria’s crisis a problem of the whole world?

• Is it a question of value?
It is centered on whether a topic is good or bad, moral or immoral, just or unjust.

Example: Q Is it better for the European nations to step in and aid Syria or ignore the country’s civil crisis?

• Is it a question of policy?
It is focused on what policy or rule should be followed.

Example: Q Should European countries enforce laws to accommodate Syrian refugees?

2. Determine the purpose appropriate to your topic.

3. Stick to your topic and look at all of the sides and angles of the problem.

III. Steps in Preparing for a Successful Extemporaneous Speech

1. Reinforce! You may explore other main points, but always refer back to your thesis. This will greatly help your audience remember
your message.

2. Capture! State the central idea of your extemporaneous speech in one declarative sentence. Keep your sentence specific. Ask
yourself what you want your audience to know exactly.

3. Develop! Now that you have a clear central idea, you are ready to map out the supporting points in an outline.

4. Introduce! In the introduction, make sure you:

• grab the attention of the audience with a striking one-liner.
• give a short background by explaining why they have to listen.
• state your thesis.

5. Check! Develop at least three main points and check each of them with these questions:
• Does each point have one single idea?
• Does each point reiterate the thesis statement?
• Does each point prepare the discussion of the next main point?

6. Supply! Make sure that each main point has enough examples, testimonies, statistics, or cases. In doing this, you give the audience
new information or views to learn from.

7. Conclude! Reinforce your introduction by coming up with a closing attention-getter that is related to your opening. Connect the needs
and interest of your audience with the theme of your speech. Restate your thesis or review your main points.

Pair work: Tell if each of the extemporaneous topics below is a thesis statement to a question of fact (F), question of value (V) or a
question of policy (P).
1. Video games make their players violent.
2. Marijuana should be legalized.
3. Using cell phones while driving is dangerous.
4. Adoptees should have the right to know who their parents are.
5. Zoos are not good for the conservation of the species.
6. Examination results provide real indication of ability.
7. Knowing your ancestry is important.
8. Absences cause students to fail a subject.
9. Love is more powerful than hate.
10. Forgiving is forgetting.