IV - Delivery

There are at least two requirements for successful debating.  First, a debater must have quality arguments.  And, second, a debater must effectively communicate their arguments to the judge or audience.  The focus of this chapter is on effective communication.

Articulation

Let's start with the basics.  If the words you say are not understood by the audience, you are not communicating effectively.  To articulate well means to speak clearly and to correctly pronounce the words you use. 

Articulation Problems to Watch For:

• Mumbling or slurring (this is usually a result of not pronouncing words carefully).
• Common mispronunciations (gonna instead of going to, cuz instead of because, etc.)

Volume

Every speaking situation requires the speakers to adjust his or her volume for the circumstances.  Of course, a speaker must be loud enough to be clearly heard by the audience.  On the other hand, if a speaker is too loud, the audience will become annoyed or uncomfortable.  It is a good idea for a speaker to vary his/her volume during the speech to emphasize certain key points.  A slight increase or decrease in volume can call attention to an important point the speaker wants to make.

Rate

Like volume, your rate of speech can be too fast or too slow.  Very slow speech will bore the audience.  On the other hand, delivery that is too rapid will cause the audience to miss important points or maybe even to tune out.  Different speaking circumstances call for different rates.  For debaters, a good model is the rate of delivery used by television news reporters.  Listen to an anchor on CNN for an idea of an appropriate rate of delivery.

Sometimes debaters will speak at fast rate in order to fit more into their speeches.  In some debate formats, this has been taken to an extreme.  Because the judges are not evaluating speakers on their delivery skills, debaters in these formats have used extremely rapid delivery.  In Classic Debate, however, judges are specifically instructed to evaluate student's delivery along with their arguments.  In fact, judges are instructed to award a loss to a team which speaks at an unnaturally rapid rate which results in a competitive advantage.

Vocal Variety

When you articulate well with an appropriate rate and volume, you ensure that the audience will hear your words.  What else can you do to make them want to listen?  One key is vocal variety.  A speaker with little variety is often called monotone (or boring!).  You can vary your voice by adjusting volume or rate.  You can also change your pitch and tone.  This is called inflection.  Also, using pauses of different lengths can make your speech easier to listen to.

Posture & Gestures

You want your audience to see you as professional, relaxed, and confident.  In order to achieve this positive image, you should pay attention to posture and gestures.  The number one rule is don't do things that will distract your audience.  Proper speaking posture is simply standing up straight with your feet pointed toward your audience.  Avoid slouching, leaning against walls or tables, and pointing your feet to one side or another.

Gestures are more difficult to master.  First, your gestures may often be impeded by what you have in your hands--evidence or notes.  This is understood to be part of debate.  When you are able to gesture, some general rules are:

            --Always gesture above the waist

            --Gesture to add emphasis.  Your gestures should be purposeful.

            --Vary your gestures.  Avoid repetitive gestures.

Eye Contact

When possible, look your audience straight in the eye.  Of course, you will need to look down at your notes and evidence.  At the same time, do not spend the majority of your speech looking down.  Speakers who look their audience in the eye are found to be more persuasive.  You may also get important non-verbal feedback from your audience that you may use to make your speech better.  Is the audience interested, confused, having trouble hearing you, agreeing with you?  You can learn a lot by looking at your audience.  When there is more than a single person in the audience, you should spend time looking at each person. 

Appearance

Many consider your appearance to be part of your delivery.  Different debate competitions have different dress expectations.  At times, you will be asked to dress professionally (like you would for a business interview).  Other times, you will be expected to be more "dress-casual."  Your coach will have suggestions for how to dress for competition.  Just remember, appearance does make an impact on the audience.  You attire sends a message.  What message do you want to send?

Suggestions for Improvement

Practice, practice, practice!  Delivery can always be improved.  There are many ways to practice.  You can practice by yourself by giving a particular speech several times, concentrating on improving your delivery.  You can practice with teammates by helping evaluate each other.  And, of course, you can practice with a coach, teacher, or parent.  Simply give your speech and ask for feedback on delivery.  Or, ask for help with a particular component of delivery.  The more you practice, the better you will be.

Conclusion

Polls show that most Americans fear public speaking more than death!  Luckily for you, debate will help you overcome that fear.  Like all aspects of debate, your delivery will get better with practice.  You will also get used to standing in front of an audience and making an argument.  These skills are great to have--just ask anyone in the professional world.

You now know how to make and deliver an argument. Let's turn our attention to adding more credibility to your arguments by citing credible evidence.