How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Preparing Yourself for Speaking

Techniques > Public speaking > Preparing Yourself for Speaking

When doing public speaking, perhaps the most important part of your preparation is preparing yourself. It can also be quite stressful and, as Mark Twain said, 'There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars'.

Beyond good preparation of the speech, here are some tips and techniques to help you be optimally ready.

Practice, Practice: It makes you much better, if not perfect.
Watch Yourself: See yourself as others see you.
Listen to Yourself: Check your language and diction.
Get Feedback: Listen to others.
Babbling: Practice with emotional nonsense words.
Progressive Visualization: See yourself improving.
Getting 'In The Zone': Being optimally focused.
Wear a Persona: Be a great presenter.
Personal Appearance: Dress for success.
Learn, Learn: Know your subject.
Meet The Audience: To know them is to like them.
Reframe Anxiety: Use the energy you feel.
Cognitive Restructuring: Changing how you think when you are getting anxious.
Systematic Desensitization: Getting better a bit at a time.

Preparing Yourself for Speaking

See also