The best meaning for the word "PREPARING" in this context is "making ready" or "getting ready".
The best meaning for the word "PREPARING" in this context is "making ready" or "getting ready." To determine this, we can analyze the sentence structure and the context in which the word is used. In the sentence, Mr. Stanton is the subject and he began preparing for his speech. The word "preparing" implies that Mr. Stanton is taking actions to make himself ready for the speech by practicing, gathering information, or rehearsing. Therefore, the correct meaning is "making ready" or "getting ready."
