Which of the following can help a speaker regain their thoughts during a speech?

Taking a moment to breathe and reflect is an effective strategy for a speaker who needs to regain their thoughts during a speech. This technique allows the speaker to pause, gather their thoughts, and refocus on the message they want to convey. It also gives them a chance to calm any nerves that may be contributing to their moment of distraction. By taking a brief pause, the speaker can organize their ideas, assess their next points, and create a smoother flow in their delivery.

In contrast, continuing to speak without pause might lead to rambling or confusion, and could result in losing the audience's attention. Asking the audience for their opinions could be helpful in engaging them, but it may not provide the speaker the clarity they need at that moment. Repeating the last sentence spoken might regain some semblance of continuity, but it could also come across as repetitive and may not aid in the actual retrieval of their thoughts.