Amelia has just been elected president of her ninth-grade class. Following is an excerpt from her speech.

My fellow classmates,
By electing me president of the ninth-grade class, you have voiced your confidence in me as a leader. I promise to do my best not to disappoint you. The year ahead will include many challenges for us all, both personal and academic; but I know we're up to the job. The first challenge, coming up quite soon, is a fun one, and I hope you'll help me with it: Where will we hold our annual Autumn Dance, and what will the theme be? I have some great ideas I'll be suggesting in the weeks to come, so look for my column in the school paper. But more importantly, don't hesitate to come by the Student Council Office during my office hours and submit your ideas—for the dance, or anything you feel strongly about or want to talk about. My door will always be open.
11
Select the correct answer.
Which of these methods should Amelia use to engage her audience during her speech?
A.
delivering the whole speech in a monotone
B.
keeping the arms stiffly at one's sides
C.
integrate a single multimedia element
D.
reading the words straight from notes
E.
looking audience members in the eye

Making eye contact while delivering a speech is vital. When an orator or the speaker makes and eye contact with his/her audience it helps build the connection. The audience feels connected with the speaker and feel that they are important. An eye contact builds the rapport (a relationship in which people are able to understand one another).

So, while delivering the speech Amelia should make eye contact with her audience as it will help her audience feel connected, build rapport, and they will be able to feel that they are important.

So, the correct answer is option E.