This category focuses on the use of language within the speech. The critic assesses how language is used to create the various effects and analyzes whether the used language is plain, simple, ornamental or opulent. The critic may also look for the presence of certain rhetorical figures. Furthermore, the critic judges whether the used language helped the rhetoric to accomplish his goal. When we speak about delivery we analyze both verbal and nonverbal delivery.
Verbal delivery includes elements like pitch, volume, rate, and smoothness.
Nonverbal delivery includes eye contact, body posture, gestures, facial expression, and appropriate energy and enthusiasm. The cannon of memory is concerned with the manner of presentation. The critic investigates whether the speech is delivered from memory, impromptu, by reading from manuscript, or extemporaneously. As every speech has been designed to accomplish certain goals, the critic judges the effect of the rhetoric on the immediate audience. The critic determines whether or not the intended goal was met and what happened as a consequence of the speech.