Strategies for practicing speeches

Sharing a message in front of an audience is something many would like to do, but fear can keep them from their dream. However, the history of great performing artists and communicators shows that their success is the result of long hours of preparation and study, perfecting their work without ever giving up, and yet they have experienced times when mistakes were inevitable.

But these brave ones learned to grow and move forward. In the end, every communicator who prepares and learns, receives the desired recognition from the public, because triumph belongs to the brave.

How to prepare a communicator: The work of a communicator begins individually, since it involves an internal process of preparation to present a speech effectively, fluently and coherently with the emotions and ideas to be transmitted to the public.

To understand this process in the necessary depth, it is useful to quote a definition from the Royal Spanish Academy of Language: "A speech is a reasoning or extensive exposition on a subject, which is read or pronounced in public". The above definition highlights the need for a communicator to prepare adequately to know the content of his or her work well and thus ensure quality. Depending on the type of speech, whether it is read or delivered conversationally, it is essential that the person be familiar with the words he or she will use.

Sometimes it is necessary to use uncommon terms, so you should consider whether it is possible to substitute them with more familiar words. Likewise, if you need to mention names or words that are not native to the language, it is important to seek appropriate advice to avoid mistakes and to show professionalism and respect.

If the oral presentation is a conference or lecture on a subject that the communicator is familiar with, the preparation of the speech will depend on the communicator's judgment. It will be essential to use clear language that is understandable to all, and to maintain an appropriate pace to facilitate comprehension and make the speech enjoyable.

For this stage, experts recommend that the communicator take detailed notes and study them carefully, while recording him/herself. This is a valuable tool to identify which gestures and phrases best support the text, and also to eliminate anything that might negatively affect the final result. The notes can also be used as a support resource for the communicator during his or her live presentation to the audience.

The intermediate stage: This stage, prior to the presentation to the public is of great importance, very brief but intense, as it creates the emotional preparation necessary for the work to have the expected result. These tips may be useful:

• The communicator should get enough rest to prevent pre-event stress from affecting his or her performance. Although it is not always possible to sleep all the recommended hours, the professional speaker must be careful to give his vocal cords the necessary rest for their optimal functioning.

• Do not consume sugary drinks moments before starting work.

• Refrain from chewing gum shortly before the presentation, in case it is a habit.

• Avoid drinking very cold water before or during the oral presentation, as it may damage the vocal cords.

• Doing light bending and stretching helps to relax the body and avoid excessive anxiety.

Practice makes perfect: The saying "practice makes perfect" is very valuable for those who wish to pursue the art of public speaking. The main goal of a good communicator should be to ensure that his or her message is clearly understood and generates emotions in his or her audience. Constant preparation is essential to increase the communicator's confidence and security, which will allow him or her to advance to higher levels in his or her work, and to access a wide range of job options. Continuous practice also allows the professional communicator to improve his or her skills and stay current in his or her field.

As time goes by, these communication professionals gain more experience and maturity, and together with their level of preparation, they manage to create a style that distinguishes them from their colleagues in the profession. This can place them in many occasions as a reference, especially for the public to whom they dedicate so much time, sharing experiences of all kinds and experiencing an enjoyment that they gladly share.