142 Loud & Clear Hone the Zone As early as one week before you have to speak, you can start getting your mind into focus and working on perfecting your performance. And you can also have a lot of fun while you're at it: Learn by example. Head to the movies or rent some DVDs you've been meaning to see. Now, while I want you to enjoy the experience, this is not meant for entertainment only. It's more of an educational project. While you watch the sto- ries unfold, observe other elements--the lighting, cinematography, pacing, music, choreography, and acting. Listen to the cadence of the actors' speech--not the content of the words, but the emphasis, rhythm, and timbre of their voices. Try