According to Speaker Rich Hopkins, if you are in a pressured situation where people are listening VERY closely to what you say (e.g., reporting on controversial topic):
- Pause - take a break to think out what you are going to say and take deliberate breaks between your sentences
- Rephrase or Repeat - if someone has asked you a question, rephrase it so it is clear to those listening - if it's a trick question designed to get you into trouble however you answer it, you can reframe it (e.g, "The real issue here is...")
- On-subject - stick to the subject being discussed without adding anything to it (that might get you into trouble)
Tim Wilson
Professional Speech Coach
Free speaking tips at: http://speakingquicktips.blogspot.com
