Rehearse...but only a little.

The impulse to memorize exactly what you're going to say is understandable (all the easier to just spit it out and make a beeline for the door). But scripting the entire speech as if it's a state of the union address will make you seem insincere, Sapadin says. Also a brusque, agitated delivery can cause both of you to feel worse, says Dana Bristol-Smith, president of Speak for Success, a business communications firm in San Diego. It's not a bad idea to practice the first few sentences to help you through the initial awkward moments, but after that, try letting the words come naturally.