Every presentation calls for a different approach to delivery.  Very formal presentations could be written and then memorized or read, but few occasions warrant this degree of formality, and few people can hold the attention of an audience when they are speaking from a script.  (Think about the last academic paper someone read you). 

Most presentations are delivered extemporaneously.  This means that the presenter speaks from an outline.  Although these presentations are organized and well-practiced, the presenter forms each sentence spontaneously.  This allows them to speak in a conversational voice, to make eye contact and to respond to the needs and contributions of the audience. 

When you “write” an extemporaneous speech you should be thinking about the content of the presentation in the same detail and with the same rigor that you would with the content of a paper, but you will write your ideas in the form of an outline.  You should set aside time to revise your outline (and therefore your ideas).  Make sure your outline is clear enough that you only have to glance at it to know what to say next. 

Once you have a draft of your speech you should practice delivering it from your outline so that you are sure your ideas flow clearly and so you know how long it takes to deliver the presentation.  After you practice delivering your presentation, you will probably want to revise again. 

When you speak, you should use your outline as a reference that guides you through your talk.  Your outline should cue you to deliver what would be the written equivalent of paragraphs, and should not be delivered as a series of bullet points.  Many people fear that they will not be able to form sentences on the spot, but they always do well when they try it! 

For guidance on how to structure a presentation you might find our handout on organization helpful.  Find it at: www.sas.upenn.edu/cwic/resources.html