Select Your Delivery Mode

• The preferred way to deliver most talks is called extemporaneous. This means that you are well prepared with your thinking and have rehearsed your talk carefully. It also allows you to converse with your audience by adapting to their feedback during the talk.
  
  
• Impromptu talks are those that are unplanned and poorly organized. Avoid these if possible!
  
  
• Manuscript talks are given when every word will be carefully analyzed and critiqued, such as the State of the Union Address. This is a poor mode for the novice speaker.
  
  
• Memorized talks are rarely interesting and usually painful for an audience. Trust yourself and develop an extemporaneous style. This style is reserved for actors in the movies or television.

Modify Language for Clarity and Interest

Be sure to use the language that your audience expects and understands. Avoid unnecessary jargon and argot. Use jargon if all the members of your audience understand it.

Be careful to ensure that you will insult no one with off-color expletives, sexism, or racist remarks. Becuase language reflects our attitudes, your use of language will reflect your attitude of your audience and of yourself.

Poor Grammar can Undermine Your Credibility.

• You can do good work but you work well.
• You lie down for a nap and lay down a book.
• You cannot be smarter than me; rather you might be smarter than I.
• John and I can go to the movies; John and me will not. John and myself are not going anywhere except to remedial English classes!
• You can help me if you are able; you may help me if you are willing.
• "Whom are you trying to impress?" is a fine question. "Who are you trying to impress?" will impress no one.
• You might speak softly, slowly, carefully, or deliberately. Please do not try to speak soft, slow, careful, or deliberate.