THE MOLAR EXPRESS

When you reach your conclusion, pause, and then present your summary and concluding remarks with special emphasis. Maintain eye contact for a moment before you move confidently back to your seat. This final impression is very important. You should keep the focus on your message, not on yourself. Even though you may feel relieved that the speech is over, don’t say “Whew!” or “I made it!” and never shake your head to show disappointment with your presentation. You probably did better than you thought, and at the very least, you don’t want to encourage negative reactions to your message.
Do these techniques really work, and is such advice helpful?
Research on communication apprehension has established the following conclusions:
(1) Such techniques do work, and
(2) they work best in combination. Keep in mind that controlling anxiety takes time.
As you become more experienced at giving speeches and at practicing the suggestions in the following Speaker’s Notes, you will find your fears abating, and your ability to convert communication apprehension into positive, constructive energy should improve.
Thus far, we have discussed controlling speech anxiety in terms of what the speaker can do, but the audience also can help speakers by creating a positive communication climate. As an audience member, you should listen attentively and look for something in the speech that interests you. Even if you are not excited about the topic, you may pick up some techniques that will be useful when it is your time to speak. When you discuss or evaluate the speeches of others, be constructive and helpful. That’s an attitude you will appreciate when others comment on your speech.

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