The college public speaking contest each semester is open to students who want to test the waters. After one contest a friendly dispute arose on which is important content or delivery. A student who delivered a very dynamic, skillful speech finished lower in the competition. Based on the skillful delivery, the other students argued that this speaker should have won the contest. However, the judges expressed some concerns about the content of the speech and stated that the speaker did not establish credibility. As one judge explained, “Delivery cannot substitute for a good message. An effective speaker must convey a message that resonates with the audience, is supported by a variety of sources, and is well organized.” The dissent was dismissed.
Which do you think is more important, Delivery or Content?
When you watch a speech, do you pay more attention to Delivery or Content?
This question begs for an answer for a long time.
When you learn how to evaluate a speech/speaker effectively, you will most likely place more emphasis on the speaker’s delivery and less on the speech composition, context, relevance, and other content components. The more you evaluate the more you will realize the importance of the content regardless of the skill with which the speech is delivered. As mentioned above regarding the dispute, a listener should seek to understand and analyze the message no matter the level of delivery. If you are offered the following options –
OPTION 1 – A speech well organized with very relevant and new information, but delivered by a less satisfactory speaker (good speech/poor speaker).
Would this keep you from receiving the message?
OPTION 2 – On the other hand, you may encounter a speaker, who is very conversational, enthusiastic, and passionate, but is delivering a poorly organized speech with confusing explanations that both keep you from fully understanding the message and/or recognizing the content.
Would the speaker’s delivery keep you from realizing this?
What would you choose and why?
A speaker’s content and delivery work together to create a highly effective speech. You must remember that content and delivery are twin pillars; exceptional strength in one can compensate for weakness in the other. The most engaging delivery won’t overcome a big content problem. Delivery matters, but it is secondary to content. It’s not just how you say it. What you say (and what people understand) is important!
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