Be Prepared
Start writing your speech early so that you have time to be thoroughly prepared.
Practice before a live audience
Ask your spouse, friends, parents, brothers and sisters, and co-workers
to listen to your speech before you officially give it.
Tape your speech and play it back
Evaluate yourself by taping your speech ahead of time and listening to it for
logical flow.
Get a good night's sleep
A good night's sleep makes you feel good and confident.
Practice in the very room you will be using
Unfamiliarity breeds tension. Always try to practice your speech in the same
environment in which you will give the speech.
Relax prior to speaking
Listen to music or do relaxation exercises to release tension that may build
up prior to speaking.
Concentrate on your message
Don't think about yourself or your appearance. Only think about the words
you are saying.
Breathe deeply
Diaphragmatic breathing relaxes the whole body.
Find responsive faces in the audience
Use eye contact on those audience members who seem attentive and friendly.
Use bodily action to relieve tension
Gestures can release tension that builds up as you speech proceeds.
Be positive
Know that you are doing the very best job that you can do. Be proud of it.
Smile
A smile can make an anxious moment become friendly.
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