Article: If this is an important presentation, and if speeches make you nervous, try spending some time in the venue or location where you’ll be expected to give your speech. Even if you can’t give your speech, recite it mentally while staring at an imaginary “audience” to help prepare for the big day! If your speech requires any equipment, like microphones or projectors, make sure you test the equipment beforehand so you know how to operate it! If you’re giving a speech while tired or on an empty stomach, you won’t perform as well as you can. Make sure you set yourself up for success by sleeping, eating a well-balanced, nutritious meal, and drinking plenty of water beforehand. If you drink water before your speech, make sure you use the restroom before getting up in front of a crowd! What you wear to your speech depends on the situation in which you’re giving your speech. If you’re giving your speech in a business setting, make sure you’re wearing professional but comfortable clothes. If your speech is more relaxed, try wearing jeans or a soft shirt. Avoid wearing graphic t-shirts or distracting patterns even if your speech is very informal, since this can distract the audience. The time right before you give your speech is often the most stressful. Instead of trying to cram information, take this time to relax your nerves and imagine a scenario where everything goes perfectly. Focus on sights, sounds, feelings, and even smells if possible. This type of visualization can help give you the confidence you need to rock your performance today! If you’ve previously given great speeches, think back to those times. Don’t worry so much about what you did “right” or “wrong,” but instead focus on the feeling of doing well and succeeding while speaking. Instead of thinking “I’m going to fail” or even “I’m so nervous,” focus on channeling your emotions into positive phrases. If you’re nervous, say “I can do this.” If you’re not sure you’ll be able to remember everything, think “I’ve spent time memorizing the info and I know my stuff!”

What is a summary?
Practice in the space you’ll be speaking, if possible. Eat and sleep enough the night before. Dress for success. Imagine the best-case scenario as you wait to give your speech. Avoid negative self-talk before you get onstage.