Prepare a one-minute speech. Record it on your phone. Now, take that same speech and add three purposeful pauses. One after your introduction. One between two supporting points. One before your conclusion. Record the speech again. Listen to both versions.…
The problem with full scripts: The more your speech depends on the specific sentences that you’ve already written, the more you’ll find yourself staring at the page in front of you instead of looking at your audience. Plus, you might…
Fast speaking is the other extreme. This can be caused by nervousness, too much of a focus on remembering the script, or anxiety about time limits. It’s rare for the person doing the talking to notice because they’re only speaking…
Find your big idea and narrow it to one main point Narrow your topic so there is one point that your talk can be about. The more broad your topic is, the more your talk will seem unfocused. The more…