What should you do if you lose your train of thought during your speech?

Taking a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and refocus when you lose your train of thought is the most beneficial approach during a speech. This strategy allows you to collect your thoughts and regain composure, which is essential for maintaining clarity and confidence in your delivery. By pausing, you signal to the audience that you are taking a moment to gather your ideas, which can make your speech feel more authentic and relatable, rather than rushed or anxious.

This method also provides a moment of silence that can enhance the impact of your speech, allowing the audience to absorb what has been said so far. In contrast to simply ignoring the lapse or abruptly changing the subject, refocusing through a deep breath helps prevent confusion and keeps the speech coherent. Engaging with the audience for help could lead to various interruptions or distractions, which may detract from the overall flow of the presentation.