Lesson 1 Criteria for Success

12. Prepare your technology
Consider what technology you might be using for your speech, such as a computer or projector. Think of any digital material you need, such as a slideshow or images. Make sure you have these items readily available, updated and saved for easy access. You can save those files on your desktop to find them quickly. You want to make sure all your technology is working properly so you can seamlessly transition through your presentation.
13. Set a practice limit
Practicing is extremely beneficial because it allows you to get comfortable with explaining your information out loud. However, over-practicing or memorizing your speech could make you sound disengaged or robotic. Practice enough to feel comfortable enough to only rely on notecards or a short outline when you need them.


THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEECH DELIVERY Once you have selected and researched your topic, and prepared and organized your presentation, you will need to work on your delivery. Without diligent work on the initial parts of the speech process, however, even the most impressive delivery has little meaning. On the other hand, combined with a well-prepared and practiced presentation, delivery can be a key to your success as a speaker. Delivery can communicate your confidence and preparedness to your audience. Effective delivery shows your audience that you have researched your topic and understand what you are speaking about. An effective delivery allows you to pull it all together—to showcase your work and to speak with confidence during your delivery. Think about some of the brief courtroom speeches you’ve seen or heard by lawyers on various television shows, such as Law and Order. Think about how they communicate confidence and enthusiasm in their arguments when making a case to the jury. If an attorney does not seem confident in his or her delivery, how might it affect the jury’s decision? In the following section, we focus on eight important aspects of delivery: overcoming anxiety, setting the tone, considering language and style, incorporating visual aids, being aware of time, choosing a delivery method, projecting a speaking persona, and finally, practicing and putting your speech into action.

Lesson 3