Which of the following is a key benefit of practice before delivering a speech?

Practicing before delivering a speech is crucial because it significantly helps reduce anxiety and improve delivery. When a speaker rehearses their speech, they become more familiar with the content, structure, and flow of their presentation. This familiarity breeds confidence, which in turn diminishes nervousness. As a result, the speaker is better able to engage with their audience, manage pacing, and use appropriate gestures and vocal variations during their delivery.

The other options do not align with the primary benefits of practice. Making the speech longer is not a desired effect and does not contribute positively to the effectiveness of the presentation. While memorizing every word may seem beneficial, it can lead to a robotic and less engaging delivery; understanding the material is more important than rote memorization. Lastly, even knowledgeable speakers benefit from practice as it enhances their communication skills and ensures that their message is conveyed clearly and effectively, regardless of their subject expertise.