Relax Before Speaking

When you are introduced to speak, take three slow, deep breaths before getting out of your chair. Then when you go up to the lectern, thank the person who introduced you and then count to ten before you start speaking. This will allow the audience to get settled and ready to hear what you have to say. It is also a way to show that you now have control of the floor. This isn’t always easy to do because you have to look at the audience, and panic may want to creep in on you. However, if you have made all the necessary preparations, then you can have confidence in yourself and deliver your speech.