Who Is Afraid?

Who's afraid to speak in public? Almost everyone. Even a veteran of twenty seasons on Broadway probably feel a jittery on opening night. But stage, screen, radio and television stars never let the audience know that they're nervous. The answer to those butterflies in the mid-section poise is ability to focus your total energy on whatever is of most importance at any given time. Fortunately any person of ordinary intelligence can acquire poise if he will make the effort.

Form Good Speech Habits

• Relax physically and mentally. if you feel your muscles and vocal cords getting tense,stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and relax them. If you keep on advertising your nervousness, it soon wears off. Focus your mind on what you are going to say not in yourself.
• Breath deeply and steadily. steady even breathing makes your voice sound easy and pleasant . As you walk to the front of the room, take several deep breaths. When you face your classmates or audience pause long enough to take a good deep breath. Then begin to speak. During your talk breathe regularly and deeply.
• Take your time. Don't rush through your speech. Take it easy. Speak slowly and enunciate each word clearly.

This three-part way of establishing and maintaining poise is simple enough to practice many times every wee. try it out when you answer a question in class, talking to your neighbor to deliver a message, read a report in class or club or applying for a job.