Is it worth dedicating a long time to memorising a script when presenting a speech at a conference; or would you just read off the script?

Answer 1

Greetings -

Good question, and a great response by Renata. I will simply provide a strategy that I have used personally, and one that I have coached others to use.

If you have a speech thats scripted, it may help to record yourself reciting it 3 times back-to-back-to-back. In your free time, or even during other activities (driving, working out, cooking, etc), listen to your recitation over and over. Not only will you become more familiar with the content in the speech, but you also discover potential adjustments to your delivery, which could improve the quality of your presentation. The less you are focused on 'knowing' the speech (during a presentation), the more focus you can give to delivery, engagement, and execution. I hope this helps.

Be Well,

Mr. B.

Answer 2

Your audience can hear the difference between free speech and you reading from a script. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the situation, either might work just fine. Here are some pros and cons:

Advantages of reading from a script:

1. You can take your time to write and perfect it. Hence, your words will come out exactly as intended.
2. You can read it several times while rehearsing and make sure it's the exact length of time you need.
3. This may be fine, if the main purpose of your speech is of an informational nature and needs to be 100% correct.

Disadvantages of reading from a script

1. You may sound robotic and monotonous (the audience will know you're reading from a script).
2. This will reduce your audience's attention span. Thus they might get bored quickly.
3. You will not be able to look at your audience, because you're reading.
4. Therefore, you will not be able to convey emotions authentically, nor connect with your audience.
5. Reading from a script is not useful for persuasive speech.

Advantages of free speech:

1. You are able to connect with your audience.
2. You are able to engage and convince your audience (persuasive speech).
3. You sound more sincere and authentic when you just read from your card of bullet points, but elaborate on each point freely.
4. You can adjust your speech to the situation, get feedback from the audience, and interact with the audience.
5. Your audience will be able to maintain a higher level of attention span.

Disadvantages of free speech:

1. You may make mistakes or lose track of what you wanted to say.
2. You may not speak well, because you are not an experienced speaker or very nervous.