Question 1

How do I stop being nervous?

Accepted Answer

You reduce nervousness, you don't remove it. Prepare thoroughly, rehearse your opening until it's automatic, breathe slowly before you start, and focus on your message rather than yourself.

Question 2

What if I forget my speech?

Accepted Answer

Pause, breathe, and repeat your last idea in different words. The repetition sounds intentional and usually brings the next line back.

Question 3

How long should I practise each day?

Accepted Answer

Fifteen to twenty focused minutes daily beats two hours once a week.

Question 4

Can introverts become good speakers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many excellent speakers are introverts. Preparation and practice matter far more than personality type.

Question 5

How do judges evaluate speeches?

Accepted Answer

Usually content, structure, language, delivery, confidence and time management. Ask for the rubric before the competition.

Question 6

How can I improve pronunciation?

Accepted Answer

Read aloud daily, record yourself, use a dictionary's audio pronunciation and practise difficult words syllable by syllable.

Question 7

Should I memorise my whole speech?

Accepted Answer

No. Memorise the opening and closing, and know the body as a sequence of ideas.

Question 8

How do I choose a topic?

Accepted Answer

Pick something you genuinely care about and can find real evidence for.

Question 9

How fast should I speak?

Accepted Answer

Roughly 120–150 words a minute, slowing down for key ideas.

Question 10

What should I do with my hands?

Accepted Answer

Keep them visible between waist and chest, and gesture only to support meaning.

Question 11

How do I start a speech?

Accepted Answer

With a story, a question, a surprising fact, a quote or a statistic — never with an apology.

Question 12

How do I end a speech?

Accepted Answer

With a short summary and one prepared final line. Do not trail off.

Question 13

Is it okay to use notes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if allowed. Use keyword cards, not full sentences.

Question 14

How do I handle a hostile question?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge it, answer the factual part calmly, and move on without arguing.

Question 15

What if my voice shakes?

Accepted Answer

Slow down, breathe deeper, and lower your pitch slightly. It settles within a minute.

Question 16

How do I improve my vocabulary quickly?

Accepted Answer

One useful word a day, used three times in real conversation. Consistency beats word lists.

Question 17

Do accents matter?

Accepted Answer

Clarity matters, accents do not. Aim to be understood, not to sound like someone else.

Question 18

How do I prepare for extempore?

Accepted Answer

Practise the 30-second structure habit: one angle, three points, one closing line.

Question 19

How do I prepare for MUN?

Accepted Answer

Research your country's real policy, read UN documents, and prepare evidence you can cite.

Question 20

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Your school uniform or neat formal clothes you feel comfortable standing in.

Question 21

How do I handle a large audience?

Accepted Answer

Speak to sections of the room one at a time and project towards the back wall.

Question 22

What if I lose the competition?

Accepted Answer

Ask judges for feedback, write down one improvement, and enter the next one.

Question 23

How do I stop using filler words?

Accepted Answer

Replace 'um' with silence. Record yourself and count fillers weekly.

Question 24

Can I use humour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if it's kind, relevant and brief. Never at anyone's expense.

Question 25

How do I make eye contact if I'm scared?

Accepted Answer

Look at foreheads or friendly faces first, then build up to direct eye contact.

Question 26

How much research is enough?

Accepted Answer

Enough that you could speak for twice your time limit and answer three questions.

Question 27

Should I write the speech word for word?

Accepted Answer

Write it fully first to think clearly, then reduce it to keywords for delivery.

Question 28

How do I improve voice modulation?

Accepted Answer

Read one paragraph in three different emotions daily. It expands your range fast.

Question 29

How do I practise if I'm shy at home?

Accepted Answer

Start with recordings and mirror practice, then one trusted listener.

Question 30

How long before I see improvement?

Accepted Answer

Most students notice clearer speech within four to six weeks of daily reading aloud.

Questions beginners ask