How to give a public speech and live to tell about it.

How to give a public speech and live to tell about it.

When giving a speech in public either to a large group of people or to a small one, it is important to remember several things.

1. You are in control of your speech. You have the power to say what you want to say and to make it memorable.
2. Most people don't really enjoy giving speeches so it doesn't really matter if you enjoy it or not it is sometimes necessary.
3. Nothing that bad can go wrong. The audience doesn't know what you are planning to say so if you make a mistake chances are very high that they won't know about it.
4. Be prepared. Have a summary of the important details you plan to cover but don't try to memorize the entire speech.
5. Don't read the speech directly word for word. Everyone knows when a speech is being read.
6. Look at the audience directly from time to time. Rotate your glances between your paper and the audience.
7. Use visual aids. These always make understanding and remembering your speech easier for everyone. If necessary, find someone else to help you use them efficiently.
8. Give out some kind of a paper hand out. On it summarize the important points of your speech. That way everyone will remember what is important after it is all over.
9. Rehearse your speech a couple of times before you give it. Say it in front of another person if possible. If not rehearse it in front of your dog or a mirror.
10. Relax. Breathe deep and think clearly. It isn't the end of the world.
11. If you are having difficulties staying calm, try listening to a relaxing and soothing piece of classical music just before.
12. Make sure to eat a good meal a few hours before your speech.
13. If possible go to the room or the place where you will be giving the speech and practice beforehand. If you have some friends and family members who can take the place of the audience, encourage them to come with you and sit in the chairs in order to give you a chance to practice in front of a non-threatening audience.
14. Get a good night's sleep.
15. Invite someone who is good at speeches and or who is close to you to sit in the audience for support
16. After your speech reward yourself. You did a great job and you deserve to celebrate.


AnnaLaura Brown is a team leader in an international company. She also tutors in French, enjoys traveling, learning languages, and her dogs. She is in graduate school to become a librarian. She welcomes your comments and can be contacted via her website at http://www.scentedcandlesclub.com