Public Speaking Tips (Book)

Speech Practice

• Go to the room where you will give your presentation to get a feel for the environment/set-up. Practice in front of a friend or friends without stopping, just as you will want to give your presentation on speech day.
• Practice in front of a mirror (full length if possible).
• Practice using visual aids so you know how much time they will take up and how to incorporate them into your speech.
• Practice with background noise (ie.- turn on the tv, radio, etc.) in order to practice with distractions.
• Practice with the actual speaking outline you will use in your presentation.
• Practice your speech dressed as you plan to be for your actual presentation so that you can feel comfortable and ready to speak.
• Time yourself. -- Make sure that you are consistently within your time frame.
• Video tape yourself if possible. This is the best way for you to be able to see what your mistakes are so that you can fix them before you give your presentation.
• Practice becoming aware of your posture and mannerisms as you speak. If you are going to use movement on speech day -- you need to practice moving--keep it controlled and natural. 
• Eliminate any distracting mannerisms you may have. Distracting mannerisms include (but are not limited to) many nervous habits you might have (i.e. playing with a ring or necklace, tucking hair behind your ear, playing with a pen, cracking knuckles, etc.). These are actions you can easily avoid doing if you are aware of them. Take off your jewlry; tie your hair back or moose it down; get rid of the pen, etc...
  
  Don'tSpeakers often do things that drive their audiences crazy. Don't!
  
  
• Never have change or keys in your pockets. You do not want to have the sound of objects competing with your voice.
• Never wear a hat, unless it is part of your presentation. Dress appropriately any time you give a presentation. It is better to make a credible first impression by looking as if you are interested in giving a good speech.
• Do not use distracting mannerisms. This includes many nervous habits you might have (i.e. playing with a ring or necklace, tucking hair behind your ear, playing with a pen; cracking knuckles, etc.). These are actions you can easily avoid doing if you are aware of them. Take off your jewlry; tie your hair back or moose it down; get rid of the pen, etc...
• Do not stand with your arms crossed or your hands in your pockets. This type of posture prevents you from gesturing and may even make your audience uncomfortable.
• Never apologize if you make a mistake while giving a speech. Simply correct the mistake and move on. You never want to draw light to an error, chances are most people will miss it anyway. Along these same lines never make faces when you make a mistake it is better to just keep going.
• Don't put your visual aids up in front of the class before you explain them. Rather introduce them as you are speaking. Also, don't keep visual aids up after you are no longer referring to them. Use Visual Cues on your speaking outline to easily avoid these blunders.
• Don't practice your speech holding on to your speaking outline. When you are practicing put your outline on something - Music stand; A box; A high counter, anything to simulate the lectern that you will be presenting with.