Do make time to practice your speech. Use this process to make
your rehearsal more effective.
Some training programs and sites will recommend that you record
your voice and then listen to i, to find any weaknesses in how you
communicate. Record a short speech, maybe a first draft of that
assignment you were given in the Introduction.
Look for undesirable speech patterns like:
- Filler Words - One of the most common quirks that all speakers
have to overcome is the desire to fill time with "um" "ah" "and so"
and similar unhelpful verbiage.
- Warm-Up Phrases - Look out a tendency to ease into making a
point. "It may have come to your attention that..." and similar
beginnings take time without adding value to a sentence.
- Grammatical Errors - Many people make regular mistakes when
speaking informally. If you want to achieve maximum success work or
school your sentences need to be grammatically correct.
- Incorrect Word Usage - Casual use of language is another part
of everyday conversation that can be a barrier to effective
communication. One or two simple mistakes won't sink your business
presentation, but constant mistakes will. .
- Monotone Delivery - Many people, this author included, tend to
drone at the same volume and pace. Pay attention to where your
speaking voice becomes flat and boring.
Know that have an idea of what you are doing wrong, you can
begin to refine your delivery.
To give a good speech you still need to attend to vocal variety,
body language, and the actual content of the speech. Those elements
will be addressed on other pages.