Manuscript Speech

• Manuscript


  A written text or composition
• Manuscript speech


  A written text read to an audience from a paper script or a teleprompter
• Proclamation


  A formal public announcement
• Verbatim


  Word by word exactly
• The word manuscript is derived from two Latin words, “manu scriptus,” that mean “to write by hand.”
• In today’s digital age, the word manuscript has come to mean the original version of any complete text
• During a manuscript speech

  The speaker essentially reads the complete text to an audience from either a paper script or teleprompter
• Manuscript speeches are typically used when time is limited or when the speech will be livestreamed
• Delivering a Manuscript Speech


  The delivery method varies depending on whether the manuscript is your own or someone else’s
• Delivering Someone Else’s Manuscript

  If provided with a manuscript written by someone else, it needs to be delivered verbatim without adding personal thoughts or comments
• Manuscripts provided by others may take different forms such as a short story, a poem, or an article
• Delivering Someone Else’s Manuscript with a proclamation


  The wording must be read exactly as written as it is a distinct speech act that causes specific consequences
• Delivering Your Own Manuscript

  Consider the audience, write as if speaking directly to them, and focus on creating a connection with the audience
• Preparing your own manuscript ensures you say everything you want to say but may challenge maintaining eye contact and a warm, conversational style
• Teleprompter


  • Display device that prompts the person speaking with an electronic visual text of a speech or script
• Using a teleprompter


  1. Similar to the practice of using cue cards

  2. With professional teleprompters, you can see the words on the screen in front of and usually below the camera lens of a professional video camera

  3. Appear to be speaking spontaneously and can look directly into the camera lens or the audience

  4. Less expensive software versions of teleprompters are now available to closely replicate an experience similar to the professional versions
• Teleprompters help increase eye contact and presence with the audience while delivering a manuscript speech
• Delivering a manuscript speech while maintaining eye contact and speaking in a conversational style is actually extremely difficult
• Reading a long piece of expository writing out loud in a conversational tone while maintaining eye contact is a challenging task
• When using a teleprompter, the speaker can appear to be speaking spontaneously and maintain eye contact with the audience