Continuing the topic of preparing for your public speaking, we will now focus on a few important details. We already know that practice makes perfect and that you need to be prepared substantively. Now we will talk a little about the things that will greatly support you.

Visualizations and breathing.

This is part of the mental training that is done by practically everyone who tries in any way – starting with athletes.

Visualization is an exercise that allows your body to have a positive attitude toward the event.

✅ The point is to imagine a positive course for your speech and that people are friendly and you have allies among them. See in your imagination that the entire event takes place in a good, favorable atmosphere and that you cope well even with very difficult questions.

✅ Practice calm breathing at the same time – deep inhalation and exhalation through the nose. All you need to do is take 3 to 6 calm breaths in and out. Your body will calm down automatically because calm deep breathing is a sign of relaxation for the body.

Non-verbal messages

Prepare yourself an appropriate outfit, so that you feel that you are adequately dressed, that you are yourself. It is important that you feel dressed for yourself and not dressed like someone else.

Really put some effort into it, because clothes in which you feel good, confident, comfortable, professional, and beautiful can really be your greatest ally. Think about it seriously. Appearance is also a part of your image; these are [important] non-verbal messages.

Also, remember about body language and the tone of your voice. Did you know that when you are performing, body language and tone of voice have a huge impact on the audience.

What to do?

✅ speak clearly and confidently

✅ smile when appropriate

✅ hold your head high,

✅ maintain eye contact with the room and speak to different parts of the room

What to avoid?

✅ hiding behind the backs of chairs or other furniture (except the lectern)

✅ closed body posture

✅ turning your back to the audience

✅ reading presentations with your back to people 😉

✅ mumbling uncertainly

✅ rocking on your feet

✅ looking at the ceiling

Helpful tools

Prepare all the tools and aids that will be useful during your speech.

Maybe you want to show, demonstrate, or present something? Think about it and prepare in advance.

Also, find out if the place where you will be giving your speech will have the right conditions to show what you have planned.

If you are giving a presentation, it cannot replace your memory and your preparation. The presentation is just a tool. Write down keywords, the most important sentences! Do not paste pages from a book or countless tables into the presentation. No one will remember that and everyone will get bored.

✅ Remember! A picture says more than words and less is always more!

Get to know the place where you will be giving your speech.

Be sure to try to get to know the place, the space of your speech, in advance.

Go there, walk around, feel the place, take a few deep breaths, look around.

If necessary, prepare everything in advance. See if the projector works, where the lights are switched on, where the air conditioning is, where the toilets are, and the emergency exits.

Get to know this space.

This is a great help!

✅ Remember, when you take the time to get to know the space, you lower your stress level and work to your advantage.

👉 You have focused on very thorough and objective preparation. You have taken care of the technical, emotional, mental, and physical spheres and all the details that will be in your favor. You also know that you will need some help from friends and relaxation and laughter during preparation. You know how to take care of what will support you in being authentic, well-prepared, and confident during the presentation. Therefore, all that is left for us is the public presentation itself and analyzing its course. You will find this in Chapter 3.