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Even the most consummate public speakers will tell you, they have occasional bouts of stage fright, as well as knocking knees and sweaty palms. The best way and perhaps the only way to overcome this predicament is to practice speaking before a mirror or before those who will provide constructive and objective feedback.

The first and foremost thing to do is discover your speaking voice before attempting to deliver a speech; it is all right to use techniques used by others you admire, but look for your own natural speaking voice and cultivate it.

Create a mnemonic system that works for you, one that will aid in developing a dynamic memory; however, do not try to memorize your speech and do not read it from prepared notes. A great public speaker must have a great memory. It might be useful to use index cards to highlight the key points you wish to stress and to keep you focused on your subject matter.

Be organized and prepared when you are finally ready to deliver your presentation. Read everything you can about your subject, which means you should be somewhat of an expert.

Establish a rapport with your audience by making eye contact with it in a slow one hundred eighty degree sweeping motion. Ever so often, stop and make direct eye contact with a few members of the audience.

Be on your best behavior and act confident so the audience will have a good first impression of you. If you are a walker, be mindful you do not turn your back on your audience.

Do not ramble, speak with confidence and authority. Your speech should have a beginning, a middle, and an ending. Along the way, add in a bit of humor and maybe a couple of home-spun anecdotes if you are comfortable doing so. If you decide to use anecdotes, make certain they relate to your presentation.

Use visual aids, which might be PowerPoint presentations or flip charts, etc. Do not stray off subject if you plan to use visual aids, if you do so you will lose your audience's attention. If you plan to use handouts, do not give them to your audience until you are ready to speak on that particular part of the presentation.

Do not wear anything or act in a way that will cause your audience to be distracted, such as over-the-top clothing, finger tapping, toying with your jewelry of jangling coins in your pocket. Act natural and watch your posture.

Do not prolong your presentation: be succinct, be well-informed, and be in good spirits. If you do all these things, chances are you will deliver a speech that will be long remembered.

Learn more about this author, Dossie M Terrell.
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