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5-minute warm-up

Follow a 5-minute speech warm-up: rehearse your opening, work on a difficult phrase and read your opening again.

5-minute warm-up

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Step 1 of 5

1. Read your opening

Read the first two sentences of your own script aloud. Choose one name, number or phrase you want the listener to catch.

Today I will show you a small change to our meeting notes. Start with the decision, explain one reason and finish by saying who will take the next step.

Use your own opening

Your text stays on this page while it is open. Use the sample if you prefer.

How to practise

Check your next reading

Read the opening as you intend to record it. Choose one change to try in the recording: a clearer detail or a pause between thoughts. Stop when your thought is complete, even if time remains.

Read aloud or use a recorder you already know. The timer guides your practice; it does not assess your voice. Completion lasts while this page stays open.

  1. 1. Read your opening

    Read the first two sentences of your own script aloud. Choose one name, number or phrase you want the listener to catch.

    About one minute

  2. 2. Separate a difficult phrase

    Say that phrase slowly. Try it again without stretching the words. Put it back into its complete sentence and listen for the detail you chose.

    About one minute

  3. 3. Rehearse one sound sequence

    Choose one short tongue twister. Say it slowly, then at a comfortable pace. Read its ordinary sentence with the same care.

    About one minute

  4. 4. Leave space between thoughts

    Read two sentences from your script. Leave a pause where the idea changes. Keep words that belong together in the same phrase.

    About one minute

  5. 5. Rehearse the opening again

    Read the opening as you intend to record it. Choose one change to try in the recording: a clearer detail or a pause between thoughts. Stop when your thought is complete, even if time remains.

    About one minute

Broad brown branches brush bright brick walls.

Now say an ordinary sentence: The broad branches beside the brick wall need trimming.