by Dorothy Pasipanodya
PREPARATION:
i) Write down the speech and read it out loud to yourself and to at least one other person.
ii) Understand the speech. This entails looking up the meaning of any words you do not know.
– Also, respect the punctuation and pronunciation of the words. Savor the words and find rhythm in them.  Don’t be afraid to have fun with the speech or to feel the emotion in it. You are the vehicle that this speech will use to enter the world.
iii) Release your hands. In reciting your speech, you will likely be tempted to hold your hands behind your back or on your front. Leave them loose and let them help you express yourself.
– In expressing yourself using the rhythm of the words and your hands, observe yourself objectively and decide which actions are necessary and which words need emphasis.
-Reciting your speech to a mirror and a close friend will help in this regard.
iv) Understand your speech.
PRESENTATION:
i) Be at the venue early and be dressed appropriately.
ii) Keep hydrated prior to giving your speech. Also, go to the bathroom as necessary and remember to make sure that you look your best.
iii) Focus on relaxing and breathing properly. Keep calm and make the speech your priority. Nothing else matters.
iv) Give yourself as much space and time as possible to compose yourself.
v) When it is time to present your speech, do not delay. Walk confidently to the podium/post and position yourself. (See below for T.L. Dirwai’s points on how to do this)
vi) Look at the timekeeper or adjudicator and wait for his signal start.
– It is important to remember that you must compose yourself first. The timekeeper will tell you to start when you tell/show him that you are ready by looking at him and nodding. As such, avoid his eyes if you are not ready but do not unduly delay your presentation.
vii) Take a deep but noiseless breathe and present your speech as comfortably as you did to yourself in the mirror and to your friend. Aim to better your previous performances and have fun with this one.
N.B. Look at your audience as you address them and switch the rhythm and pace of your speech to illicit the emotion you want. Do you want to make them laugh, sad or knowledgeable? Present your speech, gauge reaction and adjust as necessary.
viii) When the speech is over, pause briefly while looking at your audience.
-Thank them for listening, and then exit humbly.
– Any applause that may be given is for the speech but well done for giving it and for presenting it well.
“Points on how to compose yourself
1. Give up the belief that you have to be perfect. Bear in mind that even professionals make mistakes. Dr L.Michael suggests “Give yourself permission to be gloriously fallible.”
2. Stop worrying about yourself and get excited about your subject.
3. This has been my weakness, failing to put my past public speaking failures behind. Visualize the outcome you want and let go of the past.” T.L Dirwai
