Which of the following is vital for effective delivery of a speech?

Maintaining eye contact is crucial for the effective delivery of a speech because it establishes a connection with the audience, fosters engagement, and enhances the speaker's credibility. When a speaker looks at their audience, it signals confidence and helps create a rapport, making listeners feel included and valued. Eye contact also allows the speaker to gauge audience reactions, which can inform their delivery and adjust their message if necessary.

When speakers avoid eye contact or read directly from notes, they can come across as disinterested or disconnected, which may cause the audience to lose focus or interest. Using formal language only can limit the speaker's ability to resonate with the audience unless the context specifically calls for it. Similarly, avoiding gestures can result in a lack of expressiveness during the speech, making it harder for the audience to remain engaged. Therefore, maintaining eye contact stands out as the most vital factor in delivering a speech effectively.