Practice
Breathing techniques for public speaking
Before you speak, you may notice that your words want to come out too quickly. Give yourself one quiet moment. Let a comfortable breath begin, look at your first note, and say one short opening sentence.
Use a comfortable breathing and pausing routine to begin a short public talk in English at a clear pace.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
I will explain the two changes /aɪ wɪl ɪkˈspleɪn ðə tuː ˈtʃeɪndʒɪz/
The short answer
Before a public talk, stand or sit comfortably, allow one easy breath, and begin with a short prepared sentence. Pause at the end of a complete idea before you start the next one. If you feel unwell, have trouble breathing, or have symptoms that concern you, seek advice from an appropriate qualified health professional.
Good morning. I will explain the two changes in our plan.
Why it works: This short opening gives the speaker a clear first sentence and tells listeners what they will hear.
4 more examples
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Our first result was fewer late orders. [pause] The next result was faster replies.
The pause separates two complete results so listeners can follow the change of point.
Not this:Our first result was fewer late orders and the next result was faster replies
and there is more. What changes: The extra ending keeps the sentence going after the two results are already clear. -
Before I continue, I will take a moment to check my notes.
This phrase gives the speaker a calm, specific reason for a short pause.
Not this:Wait. I
cannot remember anything. What changes: The statement describes panic instead of telling listeners what the speaker will do next. -
My next point is the delivery date for the new materials.
The signpost tells listeners that a new part of the talk is beginning.
Not this:There is another thing about the materials,
maybe the date. What changes: The uncertain wording does not tell listeners which detail matters. -
To finish, please remember that the new form starts on Monday.
The closing signal gives the speaker one clear final sentence.
Not this:That is everything, I think,
unless I forgot a point. What changes: The ending makes listeners unsure whether the talk is complete.
Read the full guide
Choose one opening that you can say without reading a long paragraph. Before you begin, allow a brief quiet pause. Then speak the first sentence slowly enough to hear each main word. You do not need to fill every second with sound.
Begin with an easy breath and one sentence
Before you start, stand or sit in a position that feels comfortable. Let your next breath happen without forcing it. Then use an opening with one clear purpose. A short opening is easier to say at a steady pace.
Today I will describe three steps for checking an order.
The sentence names the topic and the number of steps, so the speaker knows where to begin.
What is one short opening sentence for your next talk?
Name the topic and, if useful, the number of points you will cover.
Pause after a complete idea
Do not wait until you run out of breath in the middle of a long sentence. Finish one complete idea, pause, and let the next breath come naturally. This gives listeners time to understand the point before you add another one.
The report is ready. [pause] I will send it after this meeting.
The pause comes between two full ideas, so it does not break the meaning of either sentence.
Where can you pause in a two-sentence explanation?
Pause after the first complete sentence and before you introduce the next action or result.
Mark breathing places in your notes
Write only a few key words for each point. Put a small slash where you plan to stop after a complete idea. The slash is a reminder to slow down. It is not a rule that you must follow exactly while you speak.
First result: fewer errors / Next step: check the form on Friday.
The slash separates the result from the next step without turning the notes into a full script.
Which key words would help you remember your next speaking point?
Choose words that name the idea, the action, and the result you want to explain.
Use a signpost after a pause
A signpost tells listeners where you are in the talk. Use one after a pause when you need to move to another idea. This keeps the message clear even if you needed a moment to look at your notes.
My next point is how the team will check late deliveries.
The phrase names the next topic before the speaker gives more detail.
Which phrase can help you move to another idea?
You can say My next point is or To finish before you state the next idea.
Choose safety over a forced routine
A speaking routine should feel comfortable. Do not hold your breath, strain your voice, or force a larger breath because a note tells you to do so. Stop and seek appropriate professional advice if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or any symptom that concerns you.
I will pause after this sentence, then continue when I feel ready.
The speaker chooses a simple, adjustable pause instead of trying to control every breath.
What should you do if a breathing routine feels uncomfortable?
Stop forcing the routine and choose a safer preparation method or seek advice from an appropriate qualified professional.
Before you go
Remember this
Begin with one prepared sentence after a comfortable breath. Finish each complete idea, pause, and then introduce the next point. The aim is clear delivery, not perfect control of your breathing.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Breathing techniques for public speaking"
How can I breathe before a public talk?
Use a breath that feels comfortable and unforced before you begin your first sentence. You do not need to take an unusually large breath or hold your breath. A short pause before a prepared opening can help you start at a pace that listeners can follow.
Good morning. I will explain the two changes in our plan.
Where should I pause during a presentation?
Pause after a complete idea, such as the end of a sentence or after you state a result. Then introduce the next point. A pause between complete ideas gives you time to breathe comfortably and gives listeners time to understand what you have already said.
Good morning everyone I have many things to say and I should start quickly.
Can I mark pauses in my speaking notes?
Yes. A small slash after a complete idea can remind you to slow down and look at your next key word. Keep the notes brief. The mark is a flexible reminder, so you can ignore it if the natural rhythm of the sentence needs something different.
Our first result was fewer late orders. [pause] The next result was faster replies.
What can I say after I lose my place?
Look at one key word in your notes and use a short signpost such as My next point is. Then state the next idea in a direct sentence. The signpost tells listeners where the talk is going while you return to the order you prepared.
Our first result was fewer late orders and the next result was faster replies and there is more.
When should I get help for breathing symptoms?
This lesson is about a comfortable speaking routine, not medical care. Stop any breathing exercise that feels uncomfortable or causes concern. Seek advice from an appropriate qualified health professional if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or another symptom that concerns you.
Before I continue, I will take a moment to check my notes.