Historically, it was submitted as a written report and read on the floor. Washington addressed Congress. Jefferson submitted written reports, as did those that followed him for 112 years. Wilson brought back the joint session speech and Truman was the first to be televised.
It would be great if they did not extend the ivitiation to the Capitol building and just asked for the text. Won't happen, though.
The SOTU is a requirement but that is where it ends. There is no requirement for the House to invite the president to present the SOTU in person, so he can be refused, or ignored. Der Fuehrer can submit it in writing like most of our real presidents have done throughout the history of the country. The Constitution specifies that the SOTU will be presented “from time to time” which means that it is not required every year or even by a specific date.