| Preparation, in all respects and with thoroughness, is probably the best direct equipment against stage fright. Preparation includes dress, audience analysis, and familiarity with speech material, including the sound of the words, the turn of the phrase, and the meaning of every utterance. If the need is felt for written notes, these should be prepared and available. |
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Notes should be written so that they can be easily read. They should be phrased so that they readily recall ideas to mind. The question of how much written help is necessary must be answered by each speaker for himself. Usually, as the speaker gains experience and confidence, he is able to get along with fewer notes and more reliance on memory. Many speakers gains confidence in the knowledge that notes are available, if they should be needed. |
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Notes are best written on small filing cards, which can be handled inconspicuously. The cards should be numbered according to the order of the speech material. Inexperienced speakers will be probably find it helpful to have card I contain the complete opening sentence. The last card should have the tentative closing sentence. Intermediate cards should contain key ideas and transition sentences. Statistics should always be available in written form.
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