Preparing Yourself and Your Speech

Does your job or your studies require you to speak in public? There is no need to panic; you simply need to prepare yourself mentally and refine your delivery. Discover our tips for preparing your speech with complete confidence.

Plan effectively

Dedicate time to preparing your speech so that, when you deliver it, it flows naturally and feels effortless. Familiarizing yourself with the content will significantly reduce stress. Visualize your entire presentation: from your commute to the venue, walking onto the stage, delivering your speech, and heading home. This mental rehearsal can help alleviate anxiety and alert you to any remaining preparations. View your audience as a theatrical performance; if you do not know your lines, you will be unable to perform and engage your audience. When an actor forgets their lines, the audience always notices. The more you prepare, the less you have to worry when speaking in public. If it helps your preparation, try creating a persona. You do not have to be strictly yourself; adopt a stage character. If you are naturally introverted, create an extroverted persona and play that role when you speak. Plan as much as possible so that when it is time to speak, all you have to do is focus on your delivery. If you want to master your speech, you should plan everything, from what you will eat to what you will wear. Plan your outfit a day in advance. When it comes time to get ready, you won’t have anything to worry about. Plan what and when you will eat. If you know that nerves might suppress your appetite before speaking, plan to eat a few hours earlier.

Outline the key points of your speech

You don’t have to write out your entire speech word for word. However, you should have an outline that works for you. While your speech should be memorized, having a plan provides a reference point to ensure you hit all your essential points. An outline will help you develop a natural flow. You won’t have to panic if you lose your train of thought, as you can simply refer back to your notes. You must also include your thesis or the main point of your speech. Much like in an essay, having a clear thesis to anchor you is incredibly helpful. Your thesis informs both you and your audience of exactly what you will be discussing, which also demonstrates to your audience that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable. Depending on the forum, you may be prone to distractions during a speech. Having an outline and truly mastering your material will allow you to transition smoothly and regain your footing. Practice your speech and record yourself. By rehearsing and taking note of your delivery—including your tone of voice, body language, and other factors—you will be able to speak with confidence. Click on Public Speaking Training to gain multiple perspectives on the same subject.