INPUT ARTICLE: Article: People have trouble understanding speech that is too fast to follow, or slurred because you're speaking too fast for your tongue to follow. Read aloud while concentrating on the flow of the content, slowing down to emphasize important points and speeding up slightly during exciting moments. Children's books (with full paragraphs) are a good choice, since they tend to focus on emotion and have a simple style to follow. You can also try recording yourself speaking out loud, then counting the number of words per minute you use. Although "normal" speed depends on region, culture, and other variables, most people speak at a rate between 120 and 200 words per minute. Read aloud again at a slow or moderate pace, this time focusing on the punctuation. Pause at commas and periods, and take a moment to clear your throat or inhale deeply at the end of a paragraph. Try to include these intentional pauses in your speech as well, so the listener has time to process what you have said, and help you avoid tripping over your words. If you experience unintentional, gulping pauses, methods of overcoming public speaking could help keep this under control. . There's an art of projecting your voice, or increasing your volume without sounding hoarse or flat. Look in the mirror and place your hand on your stomach, then breathe in and out deeply. Inhale from the diaphragm, below the stomach, not from the upper lungs. If your shoulders remain level during this exercise, you're doing it right. Maintain this type of breathing as you practice greeting yourself in the mirror from farther and farther distances, or just keep adding volume gradually without forcing too much or experiencing a scratchy sensation. Focus on this exercise if people ask you to speak up or repeat yourself frequently, or if you are training to give a spoken presentation.

SUMMARY: Vary your speaking speed. Pause intentionally. Speak loudly but clearly

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Avoid eating only carbohydrates, and instead grab a meal that is high in protein (eggs), omega-3 fatty acids (salmon), fiber (black beans), or fruits and vegetables. Some "super foods" that help increase brain function and longevity include: blueberries, salmon, nuts and seeds, avocados, pomegranate juice, green tea, and dark chocolate. You may consider chomping down on one or two of these as part of your breakfast. Study in the car or on the bus with a friend. Get a few friends together the hour before the exam and quiz each other on key concepts. You want the information to be as fresh as possible in your mind. Be sure not to let the study session devolve into social hour. Right before the test, go through every one of your flashcards or notes, even if you think you have memorized them. You want everything to be fresh in your mind when you take the test. If you are having some trouble remembering a certain definition or equation, write it down six or seven times in a row. That should firmly imprint it on your brain. Make sure you do not take an info longer than three to four words/one formula at a time. Stare at your most important piece of information for at least 1-2 minutes. Concentrate well. Rewrite as the exam approaches to maximize memorization. Get to the exam room at least 5 minutes before the test, and make sure to hit the little girls' or boys' room before you settle down into your seat. You don't want to worry about nature's call while you're taking a test. After that, settle down, relax, and be confident. Visualize success.

SUMMARY: Get a light, balanced breakfast at least an hour before the test. Plan a study session. Review all your cramming notes or flashcards one more time. Identify a particular piece of information which is most important for the test and which you really need to remember. Get to the exam room early and visit the bathroom.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It might be hard to hear background noises while listening to what the caller says at the same time. One good technique: ask a repetitive question. For example, if the caller told you what the bomb was made of, ask "I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. Can you repeat that?" As they answer, listen carefully to background noises. Note any of the following: music motor running animal noises, such as barking people talking in the background machinery street noises no background noise, clear Note any of the following details: accent coughing deep breathing lisp nasal voice angry disguised voice Some people can give away important information based on their word choice and tone of voice. Note the following: reading from a message tape-recorded voice well-spoken incoherent, mumbling profane familiar voice

SUMMARY: Note any background noises. Write down details about the caller. Pay attention to tone.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You should be facing forward, with your arms at your sides. If you are attempting the scorpion for the first time, you may want to have a spotter there to assist you, or stand near a dresser or other flat, stable surface you can use for balance. Bend your leg backward at the knee so that you can reach your foot. Use the hand on the same side of your body to grip your foot (e.g., if you are bending your left leg, grip it with your left hand). Keep the knee on your other leg locked for stability. Use your leg muscles to stretch your leg as high as it will go behind you. Don't use your hand to pull your muscles, just use it to guide your foot into the correct position. As your leg raises higher, turn the elbow on the hand gripping your foot outward so that it points forward, in front of your head. Reach behind you and grab your foot with your other hand, so that both hands are now holding your foot. Your elbows should be above your head, pointing in front of you. Try to push your leg as high as it will go. This is the scorpion. If you can't quite reach your toes yet, use a sports band to help you stretch. Hold the band in both hands behind your legs like you would with a skipping rope. Put the band around the top of one foot (near your toes) and pull your leg up behind you.

SUMMARY:
Stand with your legs slightly apart. Grip the outside of one of your feet with the hand on the same side. Push your leg up behind you. Turn your elbow outward. Grip your foot with your other hand. Push your leg higher. Use a sports band to practice.