Q&A for How to Prepare and Give a Speech

Stand tall and straight and, if possible, keep both feet on the ground. You can use some body gestures/movements, but not too many. Make eye contact with your audience, but don't focus on a particular person.

Just before you go on stage, you can try to memorize your speech one more time. If you have problems with stuttering, just take a deep breath and when you feel ready, continue with your speech. Also, as the article said, know what your topic is about. If you forget a part, you can still talk about it and the audience won't even know that you skipped a part.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your time and attention."

A rhetorical question is a great way to get the audience involved in the speech, especially if their answer gets them interested in the topic. At the end of the speech, you give your personal answers to the opening rhetorical questions, it will make for a well-rounded speech.

Start with a quote by that person and then ask the audience if they can identify who you are talking about. If they identify him, continue with the information in your speech. If not, tell the person's name and tell them they are about to learn more.

Start with the introduction. If you have a counter argument, say it either first to remove any doubts in the audiences, or last after the body paragraphs to address doubts after you have stated in your reasons. You can also put it in the middle after a related reason (body paragraph). For the body paragraphs, put your middle powerful one first, your least powerful in the middle, and the most powerful at the end, so you give a good first impression and pack a punch at the end. (You should have at least three) Place your conclusion last, of course.

First you must understand the meaning of your speech and know a lot about the topic. That way, if you forget what you were going to say, you could still talk about it.

Take deep breaths, drink a glass of water, and focus on the topic.

Essentially the same as if you were at a podium. Depending on the size of the aidience, you may need to pay more attention to your projection. Stand center stage, as close to the audience as is practical. Do not move around: it will be distracting.

Before you even start speaking (or as you introduce your topic), you might want to consider a visual: a prop like an oversized box of chocolates or a mouth-watering projector image. Perhaps you could buy several bags of chocolate and toss handfuls out into the audience, then ask if anyone can guess what your topic is.

You're probably nervous. Some people laugh when they're nervous. Try to take deep breaths and focus on your material.

Start with a famous quote or saying. A relatable/funny punch line would also do the trick, but make sure to introduce yourself as well.

Employ a hook to attract your audience. Use a fact, statistic, question or joke to break the ice.

You don't have to address the audience at all, but you can also just say "hello everyone" or call them "friends."

Simply ask them to do so. If you think it's necessary, you can inform the person that it is a customary sign of respect to stand during the national anthem.

Speak conversationally in your own voice. Speak as if you are sharing a great secret with a friend. Vary the tone of your voice, the rhythm of your sentences, and have fun. If you are having fun, they will have fun too.

Make sure your head is up and not focused on your paper. Keep your back straight and focus on something or someone. If you feel nervous, don't look at someone, look above them at a clock or poster.

Start with something like: "Hello ladies and gentlemen." After you say your beginning, try giving details about what you might be talking about.

It's been said that plenty of hand gestures make people psychologically connect with you better. Don't make it too obvious, just do something to "be there".

Why would your customer want to buy your food product? Grab their attention. Present your speech, and give them a visual of your product. Then offer them a taste.