How I did it: I took two courses that required public speaking: one was a trial advocacy course for which I had to do public speaking once a week. It was hard.  The key was preparation and rehearsal. Rehearsing is key - and rehearsing in public is best. I had to remember to stay focused on the needs of the audience. It worked - after five months of it, I feel like I can go before a tough crowd and present a persuasive argument.

Lessons & tips: 1. Prepare - know what you're going to say and do research to make sure you're right. Know the strong and weak points in your argument and address them.
2. Rehearse, rehearse in public if possible.  Practice makes perfect-- it really is true.

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May 10, 2011, 01:00PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers