How to Work on Delivery

This simple four-step process will help develop your delivery skills. You will need someone to work with you, whether it is your debate partner, teammate, coach, parent, friend, or someone who is willing to listen. You should dedicate time and practice to delivery independent of your arguments. While you should definitely get feedback on the content of your speaking, spend concentrated effort on delivery independent of argument.  

Diagnose the problem. Give an example speech, read your case or do an impromptu speech. Ask the audience person(s) to take notes on what they find effective and what is problematic or distracting.

Receive criticism. Constructive Criticism should come from the listener. If he or she is not trained in speech, you may need to ask specific questions about the aforementioned aspects of delivery. It may also be helpful to zero in on certain aspects of delivery when you speak to not overwhelm the listener or yourself. Give one speech and work on your voice and articulation. Give another and work on body language. It may be helpful to give the person a rubric or guideline of what to look for and critique. You could use a speech ballot as a jumping off point if necessary.

Improve. Consider the criticism and decide how to improve your delivery. Practice speaking with specific attention to these areas. Practice on your own in front of a mirror and in front of others. It’s good to practice in front of the same listener as well as others who may give you a different perspective on your delivery. You can also use video and then review it afterwards. Video also can be shared with others so that you can get critiques from different audiences. Lastly, videos allow you to compare your delivery over a span of time, which can help you highlight your progress as you work on these skills.

Repeat. Working on delivery is a never-ending process. Just like you can always do more research, you can always continue to polish your speaking.

To close, I’d like to look back at the tips for delivery that were given in Kline’s Public Forum guide. These are more general debate “good habits” you should always practice, and are as true now as they were when PF was born. There’s nothing like a polished, professional debater both in speaking time and in non-speaking time.

“Successful debating requires…
1. Do not comment or distract your opponents while they are speaking.
2. Keep your voice low during preparation time.
3. Be polite to your judge and opponents before, during, and after the round.
4. Never make up evidence.
5. Be on time (or early) for your rounds.
6. Follow all posted tournament rules.” (Kline, 11)

       Use this guide to help diagnose and improve your delivery. Above all, remember to be clear, concise, and confident! Practice on your own so that when you enter a round, you don’t have to give much thought to delivery. Also realize that in round you will learn about your delivery style as well as how you can improve. Stay adaptable for the different judges you will have.