Eating Before a Speech

 Is It a Good Idea to Eat Before You Give a Speech?

There is one question that most all new speakers ask: is it a good idea to eat before you give a speech? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the individual and the circumstances.

Some people prefer to eat first and others don’t. Some speakers feel it makes them queasy or sluggish if they eat before a presentation while others get a sick feeling if they don't.

You need to determine which category you fall into and use this information to help you decide whether to eat or not. You also need to consider the circumstances surrounding the presentation as well.

For example, if it’s a long speech you may want to eat first because you certainly don’t want to be in front of an audience large or small and have your stomach start making that growling noise. How embarrassing is that? You’re making a very important point that you want the audience to take to heart and your stomach starts making all those funny noises. Don’t think they won’t notice, especially with the sensitive microphones designed today. They will pick up anything.

Even if you are speaking in front of a small private group you still don’t want this to happen. You could take a snack with you just in case but this isn’t as professional as you need to be when trying to enhance your career. Having said that, the best advice is to have something to eat before a presentation if you feel hunger will strike before you are finished.

On the other hand, you don’t want to overeat either. That would be just as distracting. Being nervous on a full stomach is never a good combination. Try to eat a couple of hours before you presentation for the best results. This way you will have time to let your food settle but you won’t be hungry in the middle of your speech.

If you are in a situation where you must speak directly after a meal, then it’s suggested that you eat a light meal and skip over the desert.

There are also some general guidelines about beverages.

Alcohol is out, of course. That's always a no-no.

Many speakers keep a glass of ice water nearby and drink it if their throat gets dry. But ice water can cause throat muscles to tighten. I avoid it. Drinking room temperature water is okay.

Carbonated drinks are definitely a bad idea. They can lead to unexpected (and extremely unwelcome) burps and belches. Many soft drinks also contain caffeine, which can magnify nervousness or cause you to talk too fast.

Also watch out for coffee because of the caffeine factor. On the other hand, warm coffee can sooth the throat and give you a feeling of well being. Many speakers drink decaf so they can get the "feel good" benefits of coffee without "hyper" feeling that might come with the regular caffeinated version.

It’s probably also smart to avoid drinking milk because it can cause your body to make extra phlegm which results in excessively clearing your throat.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide if eating is best for them or not. However, if you want to avoid some embarrassing situations that could hinder your career, consider the tips listed here and give them a try the next time you plan a speech. The more experimenting you do, the faster you will learn what works best for you personally.

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