10 tips for giving a great speech or presentation

Exceptional public speakers engage their audience, and have them hanging on every word. You too can start giving great speeches by following these simple tips.

1. Prepare your material. Too many people try to wing it, and usually end up giving a bad speech.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice! Practice your speech at least 3-5 times prior to the live date. Make sure you also give yourself a couple of days to work out the kinks and make revisions.

3. Use affirmations to become confident. Convince yourself that the audience is going to love everything that you have to say. You can actually say this to yourself several times before going on.

4. Don't memorize your script. Use short phrases to quickly remind you of your next topic. If you memorize the script you are more likely to forge it. I use mind maps. If you are not familiar with mind maps, KnowledgeAir provides Mind Mapping training.

5. Use a lot of vocal tonality. Project your voice out-loud. Believe it or not this will create confidence.

6. Watch your filler words like Um, uh, and so. Practice delivering your speech without using any of these words.

7. Dress for the occasion. If you think you look good, then you do. Make sure you wear your best outfit.

8. Visualize ahead of time. Often times the night before a speech I will visualize myself speaking and getting a good reaction from the audience.

9. Use plenty of eye contact. Vary your eye contact throughout the audience. I change audience members with every changing concept.

10. Use the pause. Pauses create suspense. Good speakers can have you on the edge of your seat by using a simple technique...the pause.

To get a better understanding of these techniques I would suggest taking a class. KnowledgeAir offers Presentation Skills training classes in Buffalo NY.