`Manuscript Speaking`

Contents

Speaking from a Manuscript

Preparing a Manuscript Speech

Preparing the Manuscript Copy

Delivering the Manuscript Speech

One may choose to use a manuscript if the occasion demands extreme accuracy.
Top executives often give preciseness of language as the primary reason for speaking from a manuscript.
Many organizations insist that all their speakers use manuscripts so that they may first be reviewed and edited to conform to company policy.
In the professions, manuscripts are often used to present "papers" on technical subjects.
Manuscripts form a permanent record that can be referred to or given to the press. This is especially true of government officials.

Use the steps, procedures and principles followed in any other speech preparation up to the point of writing out the speech.
Write your speech in oral style. (Refer to section 18a in your text.)
Other suggestions to make your manuscript more direct would be:

Use non-rustling paper of good weight.
Leave wide margins on all four sides.
Do not continue a sentence from one page to another.
Be sure the printout is as dark as possible.
Use a larger than normal font--about three eighths of an inch.
Use all capitals if they make the text easier to read for you.
Keep pages flat and unfolded.
If you use cards, they should be at least 4x6 inches. Larger ones are desirable.
Number the pages but do not staple them.
When the final draft is printed, rehearse from it and mark it as necessary. You may want to insert marginal directions such as "Show slides here."
Do not print on the back of the paper.

Confidently speak your opening lines with no reference to the manuscript.
Maintain eye contact.
Be dynamic in your delivery. Use gestures as you would for any speech.
Use your voice to carry meaning and feeling.
Control your copy. If the lectern is large enough, put your manuscript to one side, sliding the page tot he side as you finish reading it.
If you do not use a lectern you may want to back the entire manuscript with lightweight cardboard. As you read each page, you can unobtrusively slip it to the bottom of the pile.
During your conclusion maintain eye contact with your audience--not your manuscript.

Use the magic key--Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse