Q&A for How to Be a Good Speaker

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How do I avoid saying "hmm" or "like" in speeches?

Community Answer

Well if it is not part of the speech (which is very unlikely), you simply need to keep practicing and practicing. Practice in front of someone. If it is a timed speech or something like that and you don't have enough information to fill up the time, have some extra just in case to keep you from saying "hmm" and "like" all the time.

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Question

How can I improve communication skills?

Community Answer

Try to connect with your audience by making eye contact and work on being a good listener.

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Question

What should you do if someone is trying to make you laugh?

Community Answer

If laughter would be inappropriate, take a deep breath, put him out of your mind, and avoid looking at him. If he continues, you may need to ask him to stop.

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Question

What do I do if someone in the audience is irritating me?

Community Answer

Take a big deep breath and block that person out. Focus on the people who are listening.

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Question

Some time I look at the word, and the word is correct, but I say another word. How can I fix this?

Jay The emo

Community Answer

Try to stay focused and practice what you're going to say before you have to make your speech.

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Question

What if you don't like your voice?

Community Answer

Try to be more confident in yourself. Your voice is special because it is unique.

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Question

What if I have a really low voice?

Community Answer

Practice humming deeply from your throat, with your lips parted and your chin pointed down toward your chest, to warm up your voice. Raise your chin slowly while humming and then begin speaking directly from that humming voice so that it sounds from that deeper tone. Add a pleasant, small amount of nasal tone for a stronger sound.

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Question

What opportunities exist for teens to speak in public?

Community Answer

Your best bet would probably be to join a debate club (or something similar) at your school. You could also try out for a leadership position -- either in school or in some extracurricular activity -- or get involved in a local drama program.

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Question

What if people don't look as if they're positive about my talk? Should I pretend that there's no one there? Would that be easier?

Community Answer

Sure. Pretending like you're just talking in the mirror is handy. Remember, they are just listening to your speech, so try not to let that get to you at all.

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Question

I m having a good and intellectual voice but I sometimes get confused? What to do?

Community Answer

It depends on the crowd. For a business speech, make sure you bring some note-cards, but don't read off of these entirely, make the outline and fill in the basic info. For a school speech for student council, make sure you have note cards with everything on them, but keep it neat. Practice, practice, practice! Sometimes your outfit and your appearance can totally change everything and build your confidence.

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Question

I always stammer, how can I stop it? (Not a public speaker.)

Donagan

Top Answerer

See Stop Stammering .

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