Give me five tips for practicing a speech.


Answer: (1) Write out the speech by hand.  Handwriting can help you to memorize the text.
(2) Write out a very short (5-point) outline, with one or two key lines you want to emphasize.  If you can remember these, you can fill in the rest.
(3) Practice the speech in an unusual situation, such as facing a blank wall or in the middle of an open field.  If you can stay on point and deliver the speech there, then you can do it in front of an audience.
(4) Record yourself practicing, and listen to the recording.  Ideally, use video so you can see your gestures and body language.
(5) Practice in an exaggerated manner: speak more loudly than you think you need to; use big, slow hand gestures; and speak more slowly than you plan to.