Tips and suggestions on public speaking.

1. I do it. It may look silly but it works. I practice and rehearse in front of a mirror. If you can see yourself giving your speech, it becomes much more easier to do when the time comes. It also will help you to figure out where to pause to add emphasis or where you should stress a word to give it special meaning. You've heard the cliché "Practice makes perfect�?, haven't you? Well, it's true.

2. Remember to pace yourself. Don't rush through your speech; you want your audience to hear everything you are saying and to think about what you are saying.

3. If practicing in front of a mirror proves too difficult, then practice in front of friends and/or family. No doubt they will offer you support and encouragement, which will boost your self-confidence.

4. Relax. Remember to breathe and try not to feel nervous. Maintain a good body posture (stand up straight, shoulders back, tummy tucked in). Maintaining a good posture will help you to breathe more easily and help you to feel more confident. Remember to speak loudly and clearly.

5. Connect with your audience. Make eye contact, smile, and use hand gestures to make and/or emphasize a point. Don't forget to thank your audience at the end of your speech for listening to you.

Please feel free to make this handout your own. Cheers!

Copyright (c) 2005 Stefan Chiarantano- all rights reserved.