How To Prepare for a Speech

Before the event Leaving for the event

❒❒ Ask yourself: ❒❒ Before going to bed or before
❒❒ Who is the main audience? leaving the house, take time
❒❒ Why did they decide to come?
for the last rehearsal.
❒❒ Are there any reviews on past
events of this type?
❒❒ Check that you have all the
❒❒ Are there other speakers? necessary things on you: chargers,
❒❒ How extensive should my speech be? cables, flash drives, etc.
❒❒ Make a list of questions your audience ❒❒ Bring backup slides, put your
will want to be answered. speech online somewhere,
❒❒ Draw up a speech plan; sketch out and make a printed version.
the main ideas and points. ❒❒ Bring the remote control;
❒❒ Start rehearsing at least a week in advance. check if it is charged.
Remember that you need at least ten hours ❒❒ Take a shower, do your hair,
of preparation for every hour of speaking. shave, iron your clothes.
❒❒ Revise the material from time to time; try ❒❒ Relax and deal with stress.
again and again until you attain an ideal.
❒❒ Do a test speech in front of the people
who could evaluate your performance.
❒❒ Use a clock when revising. Time your
speech to keep within the timing.
❒❒ Exchange contacts with the
organizer of the event. This can
come in handy in an emergency.
❒❒ Study the route to your destination
in advance. Find out how long it
will take you to get there.
❒❒ If appropriate, publish the announcement
of your performance online.

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How To Prepare for a Speech
At the event
❒❒ Register and inform the
organizer about your arrival.
❒❒ Find your room.
❒❒ If you still have free time, meet people
who might be in your audience.
❒❒ Do one last inventory check.
❒❒ Connect the laptop to the
projector and check that all
devices are working properly.
❒❒ Find the organizer or a technical
specialist to set up the equipment.
❒❒ Test all media files.
❒❒ Have someone check your
presentation for errors and typos.
❒❒ Make sure there is a glass of
water next to the stage.
❒❒ Walk to the back row and
imagine yourself on stage.
❒❒ Breathe out and relax. You are all set.
❒❒ Enjoy the new experience.
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After the event
❒❒ If someone else is to speak after
you, give them time to prepare.
❒❒ Be open to interacting with
your audience. Try to be
visible and memorable.
❒❒ Write down questions from
attendees in a notebook. Reply
to them later by email.
❒❒ Thank the organizer and ask for
feedback on your performance.
❒❒ If someone recorded your
performance, ask for a copy.
This way you will be able to
work through your mistakes.
❒❒ Take some time for yourself,
relax and drink some wine.