Communication Assessment & Learning Lab
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Practicing Your Speech 

1. Read through your speech before you begin practicing
2. Do not hesitate before beginning—take a few breaths and then start
3. Practice the first few tries and the last few tries in front of a mirror (out of an average of 10 times total), and stand back so that you can see your feet and head
4. Stand with your feet slightly apart with one foot somewhat forward to prevent unnecessary swaying and to keep from shifting weight from leg to leg
5. Keep your notes in one hand with the other hand naturally at your side
6. Breathe slowly and deeply to stay relaxed
7. Speak slowly and clearly from your diaphragm and use gestures (but not excessively)
8. Maintain eye contact with an imaginary audience without singling out one person
9. Look at your notes only for reference points so you do not read your speech or have it completely memorized
10. Evaluate your speech preparation by watching your speech in the mirror, or by videotaping or audiotaping your speech.  Ask family or friends to critique your practice speech