So, today, I learned that when I'm nervous,

[Craig3410]

I speak like complete and utter crap. :(

I got on Washington Journal, and suddenly, when I was on, my mind went completely blank.

Any tips for not sounding like, uh, crap?

EDIT: I found where I am:

http://www.c-span.org/homepage.asp?Cat=Series&Code=WJE&ShowVidNum=9&Rot_Cat_CD=WJ&Rot_HT=206&Rot_WD=&ShowVidDays=100&ShowVidDesc=&ArchiveDays=30

I'm in the 35th minute; the one from Arkansas.

[LeftyMom]

1. Have your points planned out

three is always a good number. Have notes if you can get away with it, even if it's just a one word reminder for each point. For a short and simple statement something like a five paragraph essay works nicely, just introduce your idea, make three points and sum up.

Oh, and if you plan on speaking regularly definitely get out of the habit of saying "uh" or "um" while you think. People don't notice themselves doing it but it sounds really unprofessional.

Let me know if you need any more advice, I did competitive speaking in high school so I can pull a ten minute talk about anything out of thin air and have picked up a few tricks along the way.

[wain]

5. For someone so young

You do have a savvy.

:)

[LeftyMom]

6. Thank you!

:blush:

[Call Me Wesley]

2. Take a deep breath first,

give yourself time, even say something first like "That is a good question and I'm glad you ask me this ..." which gives your mind a few seconds to relax and go on.

And, of course, you never speak complete and utter crap. Don't even think that. I've seen prolificent speakers (now) with complete empty minds in the beginning.

Speak before you get on something like this, write some things down you want to say, a few notes you always can rely on. It's all training, believe me. It's nothing to worry about. :hi:

[Bucky]

3. Drinking excessly beforehand makes you more relaxed, more charming...

...and virtually impervious to criticism.

[rug]

4. Eating crackers will allow you to focus your thoughts.