First Steps in Public Speaking

Have you ever told your class about your favorite pet? That's public speaking! It just means talking out loud so a group of people can hear and understand you. Even astronauts and firefighters had to learn this -- everyone starts by practicing.

- How to stand tall and use a strong, clear voice - Why looking at your listeners helps them understand you - How to say a short message about something you like - How to take slow breaths so you don't feel too nervous

When you speak to a group, your voice needs to be bigger than your talking-to-one-friend voice. Try this: cup your hands like a microphone in front of your mouth. That's about how loud your voice should sound when you talk to your whole class! Practice saying 'My name is...' three times, each time a little louder than before.

Good speakers look at the people listening to them, not down at their shoes. Try picking three friendly faces in the room -- maybe your teacher, a friend, and someone by the door -- and look at each one for a few seconds while you talk. Standing with both feet flat on the floor also helps your body feel calm and strong, like a tree with roots.

Lots of speakers -- even grown-ups -- get a wiggly, nervous feeling in their tummy before they talk. That feeling has a job: it's your body getting ready to do something important! One way to calm it down is to breathe in slowly for 4 counts, hold it for 2 counts, and breathe out for 4 counts. Try it right now before you keep reading.