Complete the gap-filling task. Some of the gaps below may require a maximum of THREE words. Make sure the word (s) you fill in is (are) both grammatically & semantically acceptable. You may refer to our notes. Steps to Overcome That Fear There are several steps of tricks to use to overcome the fear of making a mistake or looking foolish when you speak to a group: Ⅰ. Be well prepared — leave nothing to (1) — When you are well prepared, chances of failure are greatly reduced. — your material — Do not (2) exactly what you plan to say, but have a good outline of facts and information that you can talk about. — knowledge of audience — This will give you an idea of the subject.matter and (3) of your speech. — conditions — If possible, go up to the lectern to check things over and get a feel for things and check out the microphone if needed, Ⅱ. Practice Practice is extremely important. The more you give a talk, the more (4) it becomes. — practice alone — This is good to get the material more (5) in your memory. — use a mirror — You must (6) more. — You can get an idea of how you look when speaking. — It allows you to practice (7) with the audience. — stand in the corner — record your practice — This forces you to avoid (8) to try to remember things. — It allows you to play the speech back to study how you sound, your phrasing, and the content of the material. — use a friendly audience — It is getting closer to the "real world" of speaking to a group. Ⅲ. Have a backup — outlines — You can refer to them in case you have a (9) lapse. — reduce anxiety — You may never even use the cards, but they can greatly reduce your anxiety. Ⅳ. Reduce (10) of your audience — visualize them as not that important. — take three breaths to settle you down. — count to 10 before you start speaking.