If you must speak in public about an important subject, and you are concerned about your ability to do it eloquently and confidently, ask for Bragi’s blessing. On the morning of the event, find some lonely place and bring with you some mead and a small squeeze-tube of some condiment. What sort it is depends on the hoped-for result of your speech. If you wish to woo people into happiness with sweet words, then some kind of syrup is best. If you want to heat them up, something spicy will work. If you want to inspire them, perhaps something fresh and minty will do. Whatever you choose, it should be entirely edible, as you will be swallowing it.

Face the East and say:

Hail to the Skald of Skalds!

Lend me your gift, O fair-speaker,

Lend me your confidence, O Poet,

Lend me your tongue, O talented one,

That I might do good in the world.

Take the condiment bottle and stick out your tongue as far as it will go. Draw the rune Os on it with the stream of condiment. (You might want to practice doing this beforehand, first on a surface where you can see, then on your tongue.) The bottom of the rune should be on the tip of your tongue. Take a deep breath and, with your mouth still open, exhale it in a single, clear, sustained note. Then take a swig of the mead and wash the condiment down into your belly, ingesting Bragi’s rune.

Face west and pour out the mead for Bragi, saying any of the praise-songs on this site. Then go confidently to your speaking engagement, knowing that Bragi will aid you in your work.