As an effective speaker the key element we are taught is to "Know (analyze) your audience". After reviewing this chapter what have you learned are other important elements that you must do (know) when planning a presentation? How many main points should a speaker include in their presentation/speech? Open a dialogue to discuss the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of a speaker's use of humor in presentations/speeches (Respond in agreement or disagreement to other virtual classmates post(s).

Types of Delivery

The word presentation may conjure up images of a speaker standing behind a lectern delivering information to a passive audience. While some business and professional presentations certainly follow this model, many of them are far more interactive.

There are three presentation styles: monologues, guided discussions, and interactive presentations.¹

Monologues are speeches delivered without interruption or audience involvement. An example might be when the presenter of an award introduces the winner to the audience by sharing some kind remarks about that persons achievements. Monologues are most appropriate in large settings and on formal occasions. In smaller groups, they can feel artificial and create the impression the speaker does not care much about the audience.

Guided discussions are more interactive. In this type of presentation, a speaker provides information and has a preset idea of which material will be covered, but listeners are encouraged to speak up with questions and comments. Managing a guided discussion is more challenging, but the potential for more audience buy-in can be worth the effort.

Interactive presentations, as their name implies, involve the audience even more. Although the speaker still controls the program, an interactive presentation feels more like a conversation than a speech. Interactive presentations are common in sales settings, where customer interest drives the communication.

Speakers have four options when delivering presentations: manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous, 325and impromptu. However, two of themextemporaneous and impromptuwill serve you best in most situations.