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You know it had to happen! This is the moment you've feared the most. Don't worry! You're not alone -- most people fear public speaking. No matter what level of experience you have, here are a few points to think about when you step in front of a crowd.

  • Breathe (you may be surprised how many people forget to do this and how much it helps)

  • Relax (this may be hard to do, but it might help if you refer to the first point)

  • Know What You're Talking About (understand what you're speaking about, don't make up things, people can generally tell when you're faking it)

  • Talk About What You Know (speak from personal experience and be yourself, a good speaker speaks from the heart)

  • Posture (this is your moment, so take it and own it, stand up and be counted for)

  • Articulate (clearly say your words and pause at the end of sentences -- when practicing it helps to exaggerate)

  • Make Eye Contact (look into my eyes, you can keep people's attention by looking at them. If you can't make direct eye contact, try looking at people's foreheads)

  • Project (talk clearly and loud, even if you think you are loud, you probably aren't)

  • Use Complete Sentences (use statements that make sense and try not to drop off the end of your sentences)

  • Practice (try to memorize or run through your speech as much as possible, practice in front of a mirror and number any note cards you may use)
. . . and don't forget to breathe!


Gay-Straight Alliance Network For more information or for hard copies of our resource sheets, contact GSA Network:

Statewide Office: 1550 Bryant St, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA 94103, ph: 415.552.4229, fax: 415.552.4729
Central Valley Regional Office: 928 N. Van Ness Ave., Fresno, CA 93728, ph: 559.268.2780, f: 559.268.2786
Southern California Regional Office: 1145 Wilshire Blvd #100, Los Angeles, CA 90017, ph: 213.482.4021, f: 213.482.4027

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