surviving a speech

Speeches are terrifying.  It's a scientific fact.  I know so, because I just recently did one in my english class - and was terrified.  Not just me, though.  I can easily say that almost every kid who stepped to the front of the class, no matter how sociable or confident, was shaking in agony.  

With that, here's how to get through one!

1. Prioritize

Take a look at what else is on your to-do list.  If you've got a unit test on the same day as your speech, study for it first.  While this speech may seem more mountainous than a 50 question formative, it definitely isn't.  

Plus, if you decide to devote ALL of your time to thinking about this speech, you will go insane.  That is also a scientific fact.

2. Practice.  In intervals.

A five minute speech can be memorized in a day.  Heck, it can be memorized in half an hour.  Just make sure you memorize it.  This can be done once after breakfast, once at lunch, and once before dinner.  

With your speech memorized, there is little opportunity to mess up.  

3. Technique!  Technique!

There are many little techniques for getting over anxiety a minute before the speech.  Try whichever of these seems appealing:

-   Do not think once of your peers, or make eye contact with them.  Look directly beyond their heads and to the nice flat wall.  You are alone in this room.  

-   Look at your best friend in the class.  They're easier to talk to.

-   Think of it this way: what you're telling the class is important.  They should know it.  Make sure they do.

-   Tell the class you're nervous, just as you stand up.  Now you don't have to hide it.  Everything is on the table.

-   Stand with your arms out behind your chest, and take a deep breath.  Exhale in "T" sounds (tuh-tuh-tuh-tuh-tuh)

4. Just know:

You have no choice but to give this speech.  You must finish it.  You will feel so amazing when it's over, and you might even feel like doing it again.  Giving a speech is kind of like bringing up the courage to ride a roller coaster.  If you do it, you're a courageous warrior.  

This is me giving my first speech in the third grade, by the way.  I am not some ancient speech master, who spoke greatly at the tender age of nine.  I am just reminding us all that speeches are A PART OF US.  We hafta deal with them.