LESSON:
ORGANIZING AND DELIVERING A MANUSCRIPT SPEECH
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
⌂ identify the features of a manuscript speech;
⌂ write topics appropriate for a manuscript speech;
⌂ develop an effective manuscript speech; and
⌂ reflect on your learning on delivering a manuscript speech.
STUDY TIME!
When speaking from a manuscript, you write and deliver a speech word for word. The
question is, for whom is the manuscript method most advantageous?
1. Public figures. Since public figures are always constrained by a hectic schedule, they need
ghost writers. Consequently, they would have to read the text of the speech as it is. The
President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a concrete example of this situation.
2. Media personalities. Speakers on radio and television always battle with time limits. For
example, a televised panel discussion about a social issue may require radio and TV anchors to
critically choose and refine the words of their speech in advance.
3. Spokespersons for government and private organizations. This public speaking role requires a
great deal of contemplation and preparation. For example, we have speeches of different
country’s spokespersons in an international seminar on climate change.
Potential Problems with the Manuscript Method
1. Since this type of speech follows a word-for-word method, you might be tempted to skip
practicing the speech.
2. In relation to the previous point, if you fail to practice your speech and decide to read it during
the time of delivery itself, you might be glued to the speech all throughout. You may overlook
making eye contact with your audience. Note that glancing at the audience only at the end of a
sentence is not sufficient to establish and maintain rapport during the speech.
3. Lastly, because everything is planned based on the time allotted, you will surely want to cover
everything in your speech before you run out of time. This might affect your connection with the
audience, as there is a tendency to ignore the audience and neglect responding to their feedback
when busy with the speech. Pay attention and make sure to check and adjust if the audience
displays anxiety, impatience, or boredom.
Strategies in Organizing and Delivering the Manuscript Speech
1. Practice! Practice delivering the speech several times. Mark the text. Even if it’s a manuscript,
know the speech by heart. Only if you do these can you keep frequent eye contact with the
audience.
2. Adapt! Even if you have a manuscript, feel free to modify the text when the situation demands
it.
If you observe that your audience is bored, you may use shorter yet more vigorous words.
If your audience is impatient, add words of strong motivational power. If your audience is
anxious, share personal anecdotes to lighten the mood.
Tips in Using the Manuscript Method
1. Prepare! Keep your text easy to use by neatly composing it in triple space.
2. Mark! Own your manuscript by highlighting key words and phrases. This way you will be
guided during the speech delivery.
3. Practice! You can make a lot of notes on the draft of your manuscript during the first few
rehearsals, but make sure to reprint your script, especially if you make too many changes.
4. Practice some more! Read the text over and over orally. This will help you avoid
mispronounced words, faulty starts, and wrong pauses. As you practice, vary the volume, rate,
and pitch of your voice during appropriate points in the speech.
5. Concentrate! Concentrate on keeping eye contact, but do not stare at only one section of the
audience. It is best if you familiarize yourself with the most important parts of your speech. If
you do this, you will be more confident in looking at your audience during the key points of the
speech.
6. Act it out! Use a lectern or a podium when practicing the speech. If you can find one before
the actual speech delivery, practice using it so that you will be used to laying your notes flat on
the podium and looking at them once in a while.
Individual Activity.
Directions: In 300 to 500 words, write a short persuasive speech about any of the topics
in the box below. Make sure you have an introduction, body, and conclusion. (Use a separate
sheet of paper)
1. Submit your speech to your teacher.
2. You may pick any of the following topics. You are free to agree or disagree with the topic, as
long as you present your arguments persuasively
List of Topics for a Persuasive Speech
• Lying is always wrong.
• Truth is never debatable.
• Modern media is to blame for lowering moral standards, reading levels or escalating violence.
• Online games can be good for you.
• Disabilities of any sort are an opportunity for personal growth.
• Internet chat rooms are evil.
• Facebook (or any other form of social media) is replacing the need for face to face
communication.
• Cyberbullying controls
• There is never an excuse or reason good enough to declare war.
• Money is not the root of all evil.
• Power does not necessarily corrupt.
• Healthcare is the responsibility of the individual, not the state.
• Homelessness is the result of choice.
• Winning at all costs is not right.
• Becoming a parent should be an earned privilege.
• Gay marriage is acceptable.
• Being ‘green’ is fashionable.
• Religion has no place in government.
• Choices of clothing reflect who you are.
• Global warming is real.
• Being a good person is learned.
• What is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ changes from generation to generation.
• Having chores/a pet/ an after-school job teaches responsibility.
• Food engineering is the way of the future.
• ‘Normal’ depends on your environment.
• Culture is essential, just like fresh air and food.
• Equality is a myth.
• We are what we eat.
• What we think, we are.
• Plastic surgery should be only for those who really need it.
• Higher education is over-rated.
• Monitoring media of any sort should be banned.
• Women should stay in the home to look after their families properly.
• The idea of peace on earth is naive.
• Freedom of speech is a fallacy.
• Nationalism creates enemies.
• Cultural differences should be celebrated.
• Designer children—is this good for future generations?
• All education should be free.
• Conformity cripples creativity.
• Cloning is justifiable.
• Poverty begins in the mind.
• Divorce damages children.
• Juvenile crime is a cry for help.
• Gangs are the result of family breakdown.
• Children raised by single parents are disadvantaged.
• Boys/girls need father figures to grow into mature adults.
• Being politically correct encourages masking our real feelings.
• Graffiti is art.
CRITERIA:
ORGANIZATION: 20
CONTENT : 30
___________________
TOTAL : 50
REFLECTION:
Reflect on what you have learned after taking up this lesson by completing the chart below.
(Use a separate sheet of paper)
1. What were your thoughts or ideas about the manuscript speech prior to the discussion of
this lesson?
I thought… _____________________________________
2. What new or additional ideas did you learn after taking up this lesson?
I learned that… _____________________________
