Delivery Tips
- Be enthusiastic and confident.
- Practice giving your speech to a variety of audiences.
- Try to relax. The most experienced speakers get nervous-they just don't show it.
- Move a little. Take a few steps away from the podium.
- Gestures can help you describe how something works, looks, or moves; how big or small something is; and can illustrate certain words like "split." All body and hand movements should be natural, not forced.
- Unless you're gesturing, rest your hands on the podium, fold them in front of you, keep them by your sides, or put them behind your back. Avoid touching your hair, your clothing, your jewelry, etc.
- Maintain eye contact throughout your speech. Pick some friendly, interesting faces and shift your gaze from one to another - a few seconds on each.
- Pausing can emphasize something you want the audience to think about or remember. It's better to pause than use fillers like "uh" and "um," which could make you appear nervous. You'll seem more at ease if you speak slowly and pause at times.
- Watch your posture. Stand up straight, keep your shoulders back and chin up --you'll breathe easier and look better.