Which of the following is a characteristic of an effective delivery in public speaking?

An effective delivery in public speaking is characterized by appropriate eye contact. This element is crucial as it helps to engage the audience and creates a connection between the speaker and the listeners. When a speaker maintains eye contact, it demonstrates confidence and sincerity, making the audience feel acknowledged and involved in the presentation. Additionally, appropriate eye contact can help convey emotions and emphasize points, enhancing the overall impact of the speech.

Other characteristics, such as monotony in voice, slow pacing throughout, or excessive use of filler words, can detract from the effectiveness of a delivery. Monotonous speech can lead to audience disengagement, slow pacing may hinder the rhythm and urgency of the message, and filler words can distract from the content and make the speaker appear unprepared. Thus, focusing on maintaining appropriate eye contact is a key aspect of effective public speaking.