Quezon Science High School

Senior High School

ORAL COMMUNICATION
Organizing and Delivering a Manuscript Speech

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
occasionally.
 TV Broadcasting Activity

Choose for the television news transcripts which are available on the link below:

https://transcripts.cnn.com

With your groupmates, deliver a three-minute speech using one transcript that you selected. Perform like newscasters do.
To give you ideas, watch your favorite local or international news programs and observe how newscasters deliver their
prompts. If applicable only, all of the members should have speaking lines.

Presentation will be tomorrow during Personal Development time.

Rubric for Manuscript Speech Evaluation

VGE GE SE LE N
Category Scoring Criteria
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)
Ideas are arranged logically.
Organization Appropriate organizational pattern is observed.
Transitions are smooth.
Topic is relevant and well-developed.
Purpose is well-defined.
Main points are stated clearly.
Content Arguments are sound and supported with valid and
credible sources.
Introduction captures listener’s attention.
Speech ended effectively with a review of the main points.
Speech is not read in a monotone voice; voice is
modulated.
Fillers are avoided.
Volume is well-adjusted to audience size.
Verbal Rate or speed of speaking is varied.
Audible and pleasant voice is used.
Pauses are effectively used.
Words are pronounced and enunciated well.
Eye contact is established and maintained.
Speaker is prepared and confident.
Distracting movements or mannerisms are avoided.
Facial expressions are appropriate to the message.
Non-verbal Gestures, posture and facial expressions are expressive,
dynamic, and natural.
Attire is appropriate.
Mastery of the speech is evident.
TOTAL

GRAND TOTAL /115

Legend: Scoring:
VGE - To a very great extent VGE - 93-115
GE - To a great extent GE - 70-92
SE - To some extent SE - 47-69
LE - To a little extent LE - 24-46
N - Not at all N - 23