An original oratory is typically a memorized speech. Start memorizing your speech as soon as you've drafted it. Don't wait until the last minute or your grade or competition performance will reflect your procrastination.  To memorize your speech, break it up into smaller sections. Work on memorizing a few sentences at a time, then a paragraph, then nail an entire section. Try rewriting 2 or 3 sentences and saying them out loud as you write. Writing, speaking, and reading at the same time will help your brain create more connections, helping you memorize your content. Generally, you'll have less than 10 minutes to deliver your original oratory. Use a stopwatch or your phone's clock to time yourself. Give yourself some wiggle room of at least 30-60 seconds, just in case you take a little longer to deliver your speech than in practice. Give yourself plenty of time to deliver your speech clearly so you don't have to speak so quickly that your audience can't understand you. Since your speech will be memorized, it's especially vital to use facial expressions and eye contact to connect with your audience. Practice your speech in the mirror to make sure your expressions are natural and project confidence. If you're nervous about making eye contact, look slightly above your audience to create the illusion that you're maintaining eye contact. Use gestures and movements to reinforce your most important points. However, don't use unnatural or repetitive gestures, like raising your hands in the same exact way every time. If you're not confident in your ability to mix up your gestures naturally, just keep your hands loosely folded or by your side.
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One-sentence summary -- Memorize your speech. Time your delivery. Make eye contact to connect with your audience. Use gestures effectively.


In the Qur’an, Allah commands that women should only expose that which must ordinarily appear. Many interpret this to mean that only a woman’s hands, face, (and sometimes feet) may be displayed. Women honor this rule of modesty by wearing a hijab, a veil that wraps around their head, leaving the face uncovered while completely concealing their hair, neck, and chest. You may choose from several types of hijabs, or head coverings. Pick the one that is right for you:  Shayla: Wrap this rectangular scarf around your head and use a pin to secure it at your shoulders. Khimar: Wear this cape-like scarf wrapped tightly around your head. It will hang loosely at your mid-back. Chador: If you prefer more coverage, choose this floor-length scarf. It is a longer version of the Khimar. Niqab: The niqab is a cloth face covering chosen by many Muslim women to provide additional protection. Burqa: The burqa will cover you from head-to-toe—a small mesh panel over your eyes is the only opening. Traditionally, hijabs come in plain, non-attention-grabbing colors, like black, white, blue, and brown. If you feel comfortable wearing colors and patterns, a fashionable scarf from your local department store may be substituted for a solid colored hijab. Under your hijab, wear loose, non-revealing tops and bottoms. Sheer and or figure-hugging clothing should be avoided.  Remember, the type of clothing you wear under your hijab is completely dependent upon your comfort level and understanding of modesty. Ask your parents for a second opinion if you are unsure about a certain piece of clothing. If you prefer full coverage, shop for maxi skirts, wide leg pants, long dresses and abayas. Want to wear skinny jeans or leggings? Pair them under a long flowing top or dress. If you want to wear a tighter outfit, cover it up with an abaya, jilbab or mumu. Like bright colors and patterns, make-up should be worn sparingly. If you choose to wear make-up on a daily-basis, go for a natural look. Apply minimal amounts of foundation, blush, mascara, and lip-gloss to enhance your natural beauty and features. Avoid chunky necklaces and statement earrings. Instead, select small, dainty pieces of jewelry that can easily be tucked under your hijab.  If you are open to accessorizing your look, try to chose adornments that are understated. Avoid any ostentatious branded or designer hijabs.
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One-sentence summary -- Wear a hijab, or head covering. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Apply natural-looking make-up. Limit the amount of jewelry you wear.


A cremation can cost in the hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the choices that you make. You will want to decide whether or not to have a viewing of your body beforehand and what type of ceremony to have for the interment process. Do you want your cremated remains to be buried, kept in an urn, or scattered?  Direct cremation refers to the process of cremating the body without a viewing or gathering beforehand. If you would like a viewing beforehand, you may want to look into the option of renting a casket for your body. If you opt for a cremation your funeral director will provide a container that will hold the body secure during the cremation process itself. You will want to designate a container to hold your ashes post-cremation. You can shop around or use a family item as an urn. Or, you can look for another container or box that suits your personality. The container itself can be placed in a cemetery or taken home by a relative or someone else of your choice. Many people like the idea of having their ashes scattered but you will want to leave very specific instructions behind discussing how to go about it. You will want to receive advance permission to have your ashes scattered on private or government-owned property. You will also want to make sure that this is your final choice as it is irrevocable once completed.  Some cemeteries set aside a particular area where mourners can scatter ashes as they so choose. Ask the funeral directors that you meet with if they provide such a service. Note that if you decide to scatter ashes in the ocean you must be a minimum of three nautical miles offshore. For more information contact your funeral director or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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One-sentence summary --
Know your cremation options. Select an urn. Investigate regulations regarding the scattering of ashes.