Never give audience members a copy of the script of your speech in advance of your presentation for the following reasons:
1. They might read it instead of listening to you.
2. They might use the script as a reason to leave your presentation before you finish – or even before you start.
3. You have destroyed your ability to surprise or seem spontaneous if everything is written out for people in advance.
4. If you deviate from the script, some people will think you are making a mistake. (if they don’t have the script, no one will know you have made a change)
5. If you deviate from the script, some people will be highly disappoint that you are not meeting their expectations. (if you don’t give them a script in advance, they won’t have specific expectations)
6. If you have given out a script in advance, you may be more tempted to actually read the script in front of people and that is boring!
The only time to give out the text of a speech in advance is when you are required to by your boss, the law or some governing body that can deny you the right to speak otherwise.
