Good questions to ask yourself:
1. Manuscript (written out word for word)
- Pros:
- You know what you'll say;
- Timing is perfect;
- No eye contact;
- Cons:
- You'll sound robotic;
- Losing your place is very bad;
- No eye contact;
1. Memorized
- Pros:
- No reading/prompts;
- Short speeches are easy;
- There is eye-contact;
- Cons:
- You may forget, even WORSE;
- Easy for filler words to slip in;
1. Impromptu (little to no preparation)
- Pros:
- Usually short speeches;
- Emotion is involved;
- No rehearsals;
- Feels natural/conversational;
- Cons:
- Shy - anxiety;
- Can get off-topic;
- Lose track of time;
1. Extemporaneous (notes prepared; some memorized; little improvization mixed in)
- Pros:
- Connection to the topic;
- Emotion is involved;
- Time is perfect;
- Know what you'll say easier;
- There is eye-contact;
- Cons:
- More preparation needed;
- More work to put in;
- Must know your topic well;