Thirty seconds is not that long at all.

When you speak to people you need to understand that within thirty seconds a person has already made a judgment about you. You may never be able to rise above the opinion that someone sets within these few seconds, but you will want to do everything you can to make a great first impression and deliver an intriguing speech. The key is to get people thinking and wanting more by making a good first impression.

To do this you will need to get rid of your fears and be prepared. Before you walk into the business or meeting room, be ready by trying these tactics:

1. Dress for Success. Keep in mind that the speech is important, but your looks and appearance can also affect whether you receive a positive or negative impression. Know what the attire is for the meeting and make certain you dress accordingly.  Being too casual for an event where people are dressed to higher standards can affect your first impressions.
2. Stay on track. Never ramble on, you can lose your audience very quickly. Learn how to control yourself and your words. I like to do this by writing out my intros and practicing them several times the two days before the meeting.  I like to repeat my intro over and over on the drive to my meetings.  I may look like a babbling fool to other drivers, but it helps me focus on the main points I want to get across. When you show confidence and use your pre-written speech you will exude confidence in your topic. Be confident, but not too cocky. 
3. Relax. Once you are at the meeting take a moment before you go in and try some deep breathing. This allows you to calm down and relax as you enter in the meeting.  Everyone gets nervous, this is normal, but the breathing can help allay any nervousness. The calmness will help build your confidence.

Again, all you want is to get a confident and clear message across in the first 30 seconds in order to keep your audience thinking and wanting more.

Thirty seconds does not give you a lot of time, but it enough time to state who you are, where you are from, and why you are here.  These tips can help you become more confident with your speaking abilities and allow you to ‘sell yourself’ more effectively.

Any other best practices you have to share?  Please do so by posting them in a comment.

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