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How to Become Relaxed When Speaking

Successful public speaking requires proper preparation and an authoritative delivery. Giving a speech in front of a group may be intimidating, especially for people unaccustomed to speaking in a public setting. The speech can suffer if the speaker allows the situation to overwhelm him, regardless of the amount of preparation. Relaxing is the key to concentrating, which in turn is the critical component of delivering a speech with authority. There are a variety of methods, techniques and tips for relaxing during a speech. Finding the trick that works for you -- or using several in conjunction -- increases the odds you properly deliver the speech you prepared.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare for the speech by memorizing as much of it as possible, even if you plan to read from a script. Time constraints and the length of a speech may prohibit you from doing so, but the greater your grasp on the information, the more confident your delivery. Keep a written copy of the speech with you prior to your delivery and study it. Nothing puts a speaker's mind at ease like preparation.

    • 2

      Look at chins and foreheads. The anxiety created by public speaking is due in great deal to the fact that a large number of people focus their attention on you. It is important to look into the crowd when addressing the audience, but focusing on their eyes makes a speaker uneasy.

    • 3

      Move on if you make a mistake during the speech. Regardless of your level of relaxation, anxiety instantly ensues if you cannot remember your next line or misread the print in front of you. Gather your thoughts and continue. Do not dwell on a mistake. Focus on the next line or you will commit more mistakes from lack of concentration.

    • 4

      Take your time; do not hurry. Not only does slow speech portray a sense of confidence, if you try to accelerate the speed of your delivery, your odds of making a mistake increase. In addition, you will create physiological changes in your body that increase anxiety. For example, if you rush your delivery, you will take short, fast breaths. This increases your heart-rate. An accelerated heart-rate is a symptom of panic. Slow your speech pattern. Inhale and deliver one or two lines and take another breath. This creates a rhythm that relaxes you.

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