How to speak in public without freezing

Teach: How to speak in public without freezing

What to say

To speak in public without freezing, decide the three points you want people to remember, open with a short story or question, and close by repeating the points. Practice out loud at least five times, timing yourself. On the day, breathe slowly before you start, speak a little slower than feels natural, pause between points, and look at a few friendly faces.

What to show, in order

1. Write down the one thing you want the audience to do or remember, and three supporting points.
2. Open with a short story, a question or a surprising fact that leads into the first point.
3. Close by repeating your three points and the one thing to remember.
4. Put key words, not full sentences, on cards or slides.
5. Practice out loud at least five times, timing it and cutting anything that runs over.
6. Before you start, stand steady and take three slow breaths, out longer than in.
7. Speak slower than feels natural, and pause between points instead of saying um.
8. Look at one friendly face at a time around the room, and accept that nerves are normal.

The check question

Ask: How many main points should a short talk have? Answer: About three

From EveryManKnows. General information, not professional advice.