o identify for yourself an activity that gives you the energy and focus you need to speak enthusiastically and confidently. (Source: Lowman, 1984) Opening a LectureAvoid a "cold start." Go to class a little early and talk informally with students. Or walk in the door with students and engage them in conversation. Using your voice informally before you begin to lecture helps keep your tone conversational.Minimize nervousness. A certain amount of nervousness is normal, especially right before you begin to speak. To relax yourself, take deep breaths before you begin or tighten and then release the muscles of your body from your toes to your jaw Once you are under way your nervousness will lessen.Grab students' attention with your opening. Open with a provocative question, startling statement, unusual analogy, striking example, personal anecdote, dramatic contrast, powerful quote, short questionnaire, demonstration, or mention of a recent news event. Here are some sample openings:"How many people would you guess are sent to prison each week in the state of California? Raise your hand if you think 50 people or fewer. How about 51 to 100? 101 to 150? Over 150? (Pause) In fact, over 250 people are placed in custody every week." (sociology lecture) "Freddie has been with the company for nearly four years and is considered a good worker. Recently, though, hes been having problems. He's late for work, acts brusque, and seems sullen. One morning he walks into the office, knocks over a pile of paper, and leaves it lying on the floor. His supervisor says, 'Freddie, could you please pick up the material so that no one trips over it?' Freddie says loudly, 'Pick it up yourself.' If you were the supervisor, what would you do next?" (business lecture) "The number-one fear of Americans - more terrifying than the fear of death - is public speaking." (rhetoric lecture) An economist shows a slide of farmers dumping milk from trucks or burning cornfields an...
