How to Psych Yourself Up to Give a Speech

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Updated: September 12, 2018

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It's one thing to prepare for a speech ahead of time, but it's quite another to bring yourself into readiness just before heading onto center stage and uttering those first words. In order To move the anxiety down a notch and to restore a measure of confidence, there are things you can do in advance and also just before you move into position to give the speech.

Part 1
In the time leading up to the speech

  1. 1
    Prepare the speech well in advance. Having the speech written and placed onto note cards or in whatever other format works for you provides a huge confidence boost that lets you relax, knowing that the content aspect has been taken care of.
    • Write your speech points on cue cards, or at least have a paper that has your speech written on it.
  2. 2
    Rehearse the speech. If you're new to presenting speeches, nothing beats rehearsal beforehand. This gives your the opportunity to test your speaking style, to play around with intonation and to watch your stance and posture in the mirror. You could record yourself on video and see what your demeanor looks like when played back. Make the most of rehearsal time to adjust the rough edges and to give you a confidence boost.
    • It's not recommended that you over-rehearse though; a little spontaneity helps the speech to sound more authentic, coming from your heart. Rehearse mainly for the sake of experience at speaking and getting your posture and movements accurate.
  3. 3
    Get a good night's sleep and a proper breakfast before the speaking event. This will ensure that you're well rested and can think straight when standing in front of the audience.

Part 2
Just prior to giving the speech

  1. 1
    Find a place where you can go into the zone. It can be hard to cope if people are around you as you wait to give the speech. At some point, this cannot be avoided. However, try to find a spot where you can take yourself to self calm and avoid distractions for at least a few minutes prior to giving the speech. This could be a quiet corner, a separate room or even a stall in the bathroom. Use this time to breathe deeply, remind yourself that you're well prepared or know the subject matter well and to bolster your confidence.
    • Be aware that distractions can cause you to focus on things that are not related to your speech.
  2. 2
    Focus on your breathing. Breathe deeply and notice your breathing pattern consciously. If you catch yourself breathing quickly or in a shallow way, deliberately make a choice to breathe more slowly and deeply, as this will help to calm you down.
  3. 3
    Remind yourself that you know your subject-matter and speech material before going out in front of the audience. It is easy to blank when panicking or feeling anxious, and this can increase the worry. You were asked to give this speech for a reason, be it for learning, for teaching, for sharing information––so focus on the opportunity it is presenting you as much as for the audience.

Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What if my crush is there? How can I stay cool and collected without messing up?
    Community Answer
    You can try to close your eyes while talking, or you can pretend that he is not there and that instead there happens to be a guy in the audience that looks like your crush.
  • Question
    How do I start my speech, like with a formal greeting or a quote? Which one would catch the audience's attention? I'm in grade 9 and I'm participating in a debate contest.
    Community Answer
    I'd say you should greet the audience and then go into some remark like a quote, anecdote, or interesting fact about the subject you'll be speaking on. It's also a good idea to connect the end of the speech to whatever you discussed in the beginning.
  • Question
    I have to do a speech in front of my whole school. What if my face turns red when I get up there?
    Community Answer
    This happens to a lot of people. The best thing you can do is calm yourself down. Maybe think of it all as funny: Try to distract yourself. Focus on what you're saying and what you believe in, and not the people in front of you.
  • Question
    I have to do a duet speech on self confidence, but my friend is really not feeling it (messing about, not doing the work needed, etc.). What can I do to make sure we deliver a good speech?
    Community Answer
    Talk to your friend, check if they have any personal concerns that may be distracting them, and also impress upon them how important giving a good speech is to you, and use this to get back on task.
  • Question
    I have terrible anxiety that practically prohibits me from doing anything related to speeches. I've been doing it in front of my teacher, but I want to actually do it in front of an audience. Help?
    Community Answer
    I've been competing in speech for 5 years, but have severe social anxiety as well - I can relate! If you feel comfortable with your teacher listening, ask her to be in the audience, and if you feel nervous, look to her for an encouraging smile. That way you can build a support system. Whenever I'm about to give a speech, I ask my friends and parents to come in the room for a support system. I look at them and they give a supportive smile and I don't screw up! You can do it!
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    • Practice speaking slowly and clearly. Rushing is a surefire way of causing the audience to switch off, as they'll not be able to follow the speech.
    • In time, with practice, you'll find it easier to cope ahead of giving the speech. Some speakers may find they don't need the quiet moments of contemplation but if you do, don't worry about it. It's perfectly normal and desirable to take a few minutes to compose yourself.

    Things You'll Need

    • Speech
    • Cue cards
    • Mirror for rehearsal
    • Quiet space ahead of giving the speech

    Article Info


    Categories: Stage Fright | Speeches

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