How to practice for a speech

Did you know that 30% of our waking hours are spent speaking? Whether you’re delivering a business pitch, addressing a classroom, or giving a wedding toast, knowing how to practice for a speech is an essential life skill. Yet, it’s also a massive source of anxiety for so many of us. The good news? With the right tools and strategies, anyone can become a great speech giver. The best public speakers are not born – they’re made. 

This guide will show you how to practice for a speech using actionable techniques that are backed by research.

Why Practicing for a Speech Matters

Preparation is the foundation of successful public speaking. Consistent practice has been shown to reduce anxiety and enhance performance. Here’s what the research says:

• A study by Welles University found that 42% of participants experienced reduced public speaking anxiety after practicing regularly.
• Research from BYU found speakers who eliminated filler words like “like” and “um” were 3x more successful in negotiations and deals.
• Welles University also discovered that confidence increases by 38% with focused speech preparation.

These findings prove that effective practice not only calms your nerves but also boosts your ability to connect with your audience. This is crucial to conveying your message with authority!

Michael Scott’s nervous antics from The Office (TikTok: @jenniferobi22). Relatable, anyone?

@jenniferobi22

#fyp #foryoupage #foryou #meme #funny #theoffice #theofficeclips

♬ original sound - jen

A Step-by-Step Guide of How To Practice For a Speech

1. Record Yourself and Review Your Speech

One of the most effective ways to improve is to record yourself. Here’s how:

• Set Up: Use your webcam to record 5-10 minutes of your speech.
• Analyze: Watch the video twice:
  • Nonverbal Analysis: Mute the video. Observe your posture, hand movements, and eye contact. Are there repetitive or distracting movements?
  • Verbal Analysis: Listen to the audio only. Focus on pace, tone, volume, and filler words.

Tip: With UmmLike, you get real-time feedback every time you start a session. From Zoom calls to FaceTimes, we send you notifications when you use filler words. You don’t need to record yourself and do your own analysis. We do the work for you – sharing research-backed insights that drive your progress.

2. Practice For Your Speech in Manageable Chunks

Overwhelmed by the idea of rehearsing an entire speech? Break it down:

• Focus on one section at a time.
• Practice transitions to ensure smooth flow.
• Repeat challenging sections until they feel natural.

Tip:  UmmLike’s progress tracking feature lets you track your improvement over time. By focusing on smaller parts, you’ll see incremental progress reflected clearly in the app’s insights.

3. Slow Down Your Speech and Pace Yourself

If you tend to talk too fast, try these techniques:

• Speak at 50% of your natural pace during practice.
• Emphasize syllables in difficult words.
• Write pauses into your notes to create a steady rhythm.

Tip: UmmLike provides live feedback on your speaking pace. The app helps you adjust your rhythm in real time, ensuring a consistent and audience-friendly pace.

4. Eliminate Filler Words From Your Speech

Filler words like “um” and “like” can undermine your credibility. To reduce them:

• Replace fillers with intentional pauses.
• Ask a friend to flag every filler word during practice.

Tip: UmmLike detects filler words like “um” and “like” as they happen. The app offers immediate prompts to help you replace them with pauses. 

5. Incorporate Breathing Techniques

Slow, deep breathing calms your nerves and improves your voice projection. Research from the American Institute of Stress confirms that deep breathing reduces anxiety by regulating your heart rate.

Try this:

• Inhale deeply for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds.
• Practice this before and during your speech to stay calm and centred.

Tip: UmmLike reminds you to focus on your breathing, ensuring you don’t get carried away or distracted during your speeches. 

How UmmLike Helps You Practice Giving a Speech

UmmLike’s cutting-edge app takes your public speaking to the next level by providing:

• Real-Time Feedback: Get instant insights on filler words, pace, and tone.
• Unlimited Sessions: Practice as much as you need with no limits.
• Progress Tracking: Monitor your improvement over time.
• AI-Powered Reviews: Receive detailed, research-backed feedback while you speak.
• 7-Day Free Trial: Try all features risk-free.

Research-Backed Benefits of Improving Public Speaking

1. Improved Confidence: Research shows that reducing filler words can make you appear more credible and confident.
2. Better Negotiation Skills: A BYU study found that speakers who eliminated filler words were more likely to succeed in negotiations.
3. Reduced Anxiety: Practicing regularly with tools such as UmmLike

                                                                   You after practicing for your speech with UmmLike.