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How to speak from a script

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Often when speeches are given from a lectern, the speaker uses a written script. This allows the speaker to feel more comfortable, to speak more clearly, and to say everything that needs to be said. The risk, however, is that the speaker ends up "reading" the script rather than actually speaking to the audience. Speaking from a script requires slightly different skills than speaking without one, and this handful of hints is the first step to help you speak from a script, rather than look like you are reading from it.

Hint no.1: Leave space between you and the lectern

Stand slightly away from the lectern, but not so far that you are out of reach. This will make the angle of your eyes less steep when you look down at your script, which will naturally allow you more direct eye contact with your audience. You will also have enough space to move your hands to emphasise your points.

Hint no.2: Use the 'eyes up-down-up' technique

When speaking, use the basic rhythm of looking at the first part of the paragraph to memorise as much as you can, then look at the audience and speak out the first part of the paragraph while making eye contact. Before you run out of words, look down at the script and speak out the middle part of the paragraph while reading. Then raise your eyes to finish the last part of the paragraph.

Hint no.3: Prepare the script so it's easy to read

When preparing the final script, make each sentence its own paragraph so you can follow the "eyes up-down-up" technique. The last sentences on a page should never cut off and continue on the top of the next page. This would make it impossible to use the right eye technique. And finally, be sure to use big letters (at least 12 pt), so you can actually see the text!

Hint no.4: Slide, don't flip

Keep the sheets of your script separate - don't staple them. So when you are speaking, slide the pages aside, rather than flipping them over. This will better hide the sheets and make you look less like you're reading. But remember to put page numbers in all four corners so that if you drop the script, it is easy to quickly place them in the right order!

Hint no.5: If you're going to use a script, use the script!

There is often a tendency for the speaker to wander from the script during a speech. This can be risky because once you're out, it can be difficult to get back in - the speaker may not only lose their rhythm and place in the script, but they may also risk repeating themselves and looking more as if they are reading as they search for where to begin again.

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