It should not be a surprise to you that there are many different speaking styles.
People communicate in a plethora of ways depending on their levels of confidence, exposure, education, and practical knowledge.
When I think of speaking styles 4 very distinct categories come to mind:

• Reserved - Quiet speakers who communicate in as few words as possible.
  Speakers with this style are often considered to be nervous by onlookers.
  
• Direct - Confident speakers who drive straight to the heart of an issue with active and vivid wordplay.
  
• Long Winded - Speakers who can fill Yankee Stadium with the sheer volume of their words.
  Oftentimes, their long winded nature is a turn off to listeners.
  
• Poetic - Extremely confident speakers who deploy dramatic stories, engaging vocabulary, and vivid imagery to channel emotions and move people.
  Poetic speakers are received very well due to their ability to turn the mundane into the exhilarating.
  

It is almost impossible to stick with one style 100% of the time.
With that being said it is important that you know which style(s) you incorporate.
How can you determine your style(s)? The hot button issue of today (March 2009) is a historically depressing economic recession.
These days you can't breathe without hearing the word "recession".
Having said that, I've heard a LOT of people with different styles speak on this subject.
For the purposes of this exercise I will stick with a basic statement regarding the recession.
Which one sounds like you?

• Reserved - My job was eliminated due to the current recession.
  
• Direct - My entire career has been jeopardized due to this recession.
  
• Big Mouth - Due to things that I can't control I have lost my job.
  I really enjoyed that job and now it is gone.
  My entire career has been placed on hold until I can find something else.
  This is unfair to me and people like me.
  
• Poetic - The forces that drive that economic recession have pushed me along with several million Americans into the dark alleys of despair.
  

So again, which speaking style most closely represents yours.
Knowing your style will help you determine your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to speaking.
Reserved Speaker Pros

• Rarity of words magnifies content value
• Reserved speakers present practical well thought out ideas

Cons

• Boring delivery
• Perceived nervousness among audience members
• Perceived as dishonest and deceitful
• Audience members often lose interest after prolonged periods of exposure

Direct Pros

• Content delivery is lean and focused
• Data and research driven
• Information is delivered in an easy to digest format
• Perceived as honest and genuine

Cons

• Audiences can perceive direct speakers as condescending
• Occasions that require flare, glamor, or imagination can end in disaster

Big Mouth Pros

• Ability to speak for extended periods of time

Cons

• Mountain of words is often too much to withstand
• Big mouths are often associated with dishonesty and deceit

Poetic Pros

• Confident engaging style is easy to follow
• Presentation style (storytelling, grandiose examples, etc) generates viral elements that people are excited to share
• Seen as genuine and trustworthy

Cons

• Confidence in style can lead to a lack of valuable content.
  

Conclusion Every speaker has their own style with pros and cons to match.
If you can readily identify your style(s) then you can identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Once you have a firm grip on your weaknesses and strengths you can tailor your presentations for success.
Re-read this article and identify your style(s).
Your speaking life depends on it.