It's all right to read your speech — and here's how

When speakers must convey precise technical material or keep within a specified time limit, they may need to read their speeches. Unfortunately, those who read speeches often read them badly. Oral presenters can, however, read their speeches effectively by following a few simple steps in writing the material and preparing the manuscript and by observing some principles of good oral delivery. This paper offers practical suggestions to those who want to read their speeches and, except for typesize and spacing, provides an example of a speech written for reading aloud.