Refer to the script (either from a lectern—preferably not one that blocks out your whole body—or possibly from a screen or confidence monitor), but compensate by looking up during each sentence to make eye contact with the audience. Notice I didn’t say to read the script. You may have the entire thing there in front of you, but it’s important that you feel as if you’re in speaking mode, not reading mode. The audience can tell the difference. It’s all about giving meaning to the words as you speak as naturally and passionately as you can. It’s about audience eye contact and smiles or other
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