1. Prepare: Plan ahead and think about what you are going to say. In the words of Mark Twain, it usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.
2. Know your subject: You may be very high in IQ and very good in writing, but always ensure you know the subject and have background information at hand for question time.
3. Know your audience: Find out who you will be addressing so that you can tailor your comment accordingly. Clients, bankers, professors and managers, for example, require a different approach to that needed for classmates at an in-house gathering.
4. Make a point: Keep your speech short and concise and have a few clear points that you need to convey. Emphasize these and tone down on any oral paraphernalia that will confuse the message.
5. Practice: Never meditate your speech in heart as your delivery will become stilted, but do rehearse it a few times in front of the mirror, your partner or your dog.
6. Stay calm: A little nervous energy can enhance your speech, but too much can be disastrous. Do not rely on alcohol for help, no matter how much you need Dutch courage. Take a deep breath and keep a clear head.
7. Eye contact: Creating a personal rapport with your audience is a skill that separates gifted speakers from the mundane. If the thought of looking into a sea of faces scares you, adjust your gaze regularly at different points in the room to create the same effect.
8. First impression: Your initial impression is vital when making a public presentation. Find out about dress codes at the venue so that you look your best and, if possible, check the microphone beforehand to ensure you know how to use it.
9. Vary tone and body language: Monotony kills a speech. Nerves cause your vocal chords to restrict, raising the pitch of your voice. Make an effect to breathe deeply and enunciate clearly. Plopping your arms down will distract your listeners but natural, descriptive movements can enhance meaning.
If you follow the simple suggestions above, you would find that a public speaking or presentation is just a piece of cake. Once it’s done, you may find that it’s a enjoyable process so that you may have desire to make more speeches.