Prepare your ideas ahead of time. Ask yourself, “What is my purpose? What key point or points do I want to be conveyed and received by my audience?” Write down what words most clearly and concisely communicate your main ideas. Also, is there an action you want to promote through your speech? Practice on a regular basis. “Hello! Let me share some interesting ideas with you!” — face yourself in the mirror to check out your facial expressions. Call up trusted friends or family and invite them to be your audience and helpful critic. Ask about your voice level, enunciation, any odd speech habits (“like” or “um” are common problems), and organization. Use confident body language. Own your space! Use it, fill it, walk around in it — be comfortable standing and moving comfortably in front of an audience (imagined or real!). Stand with confidence — make a habit of good posture. Be genuine — smile and be sure to make consistent eye contact with your audience. Dress appropriately for the target audience — business casual or informal? Determine the context. Connect with your audience. A longer speech can begin with a brief but pointed story to illustrate what topic. Alternately, if what you are speaking on is a short 5-min presentation, make a distinctive statement about what you hope your audience will take away with them from your speech! Use technology. Although not always needed, technology can provide something to focus attention — images, short video clips, or power point can improve retention and provide a sense of organization. Be positive! Use self-affirming thoughts leading up to the speech: “What I have to say is important!” “I’ve done great preparation — I am a good communicator!” “I will connect with my audience and inspire them!”