1. Use diaphragmatic breathing.
Deep breathing relaxes the body while providing good support for the voice.
2. Keep your head erect.
Decrease tension on the vocal cords by keeping your head erect at a normal eye level.
3. Beware lazy lips.
Poor lip articulation can cause you to mumble and consequently be a poor communicator.
4. Use a variety of vocal notes.
Monotones result when the speaker uses only one or two vocal tones.
This is very boring to the listener's ear.
5. Conversational quality is important.
Always talk with rather than at your audience.
6. Use eye contact.
Eye contact with the audience is necessary for credibility and sincerity.
7. Number all note cards.
Always number your note cards so that if they get mixed up they can easily
be put back in order.
8. Keep arms at your side when not gesturing.
Don't allow your hands to play with your note cards or jangle
coins in your pockets.
9. Stand up straight.
Never slouch on the podium, but rather stand evenly on your two feet.
10. Never plan gestures.
Let all gestures arise spontaneously out of your involvement with your material.
11. Use facial expressions.
Allow your face to reflect what your mouth is saying.
12. Smile.
Make sure your face is pleasant to look at by avoiding expressions of pain or fear.
13. Avoid misusing the voice.
Never misuse your voice by shouting, cheering or singing uncontrollably prior to public
speaking.
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