Public speaking doesn't have to be a nightmare! (Part 2 of two parts)

Once you have finalized your speech, it’s time to practice your delivery.

Read the speech out loud several times to become familiar with content. This ensures that you will not be bound to the written page.

Do not memorize the speech. This can result in wooden delivery, especially when you are concentrating on remembering what you memorized.

Other important factors:

. Eye contact: Your eyes should sweep the room, occasionally focusing on members of the audience. This gives your audience the impression that you are relating to them personally. They are more likely to pay attention.

. Proper attire: If you are not dressed in the same manner as your audience, you will be uncomfortable. Find out in advance what attire is appropriate for the event.

. Enthusiastic delivery: A successful orator is confident and enthusiastic about his subject. His delivery is energetic, fast-paced, and to the point. He does not launch into tangential discussions—he leads the audience in one direction. He challenges the audience, forcing them into a silent debate. He uses short sentences and words that everyone understands. He does not talk down to the audience, he converses with them.

. Positive body language: It’s all right to be nervous, but don’t let it dictate your physical movement throughout the speech. Nothing unsettles an audience more than a speaker who paces back and forth, or shifts from foot to foot, or just will not stand still. Purposeful movement and gestures, however, keep the audience involved. Some speakers act out parts of their speeches, or use gestures when making a point. An example: In a speech about myths in education, the dean of a well-known university mockingly genuflected every time he used a cliche’ or referred to a popular fallacy. It added humor to his remarks, but also provided a creative outlet for his nervous energy.

. Visuals: Visuals should enhance a presentation, not detract from it. Unfortunately, Murphy’s Law applies here: What could go wrong will, unless you have everything in order. Slides should be marked, overheads should be numbered, and videotapes and software programs should be cued up properly. Equipment should be thoroughly checked out in advance to make sure everything is operating properly. If you are not familiar with a particular piece of equipment, avoid it.

. Encourage questions: Sometimes an audience is initially shy about asking questions. If this happens, start off the question and answer period by saying, “I am often asked —,” or “Just this morning, I was reminded about —.”

. Repeat questions: Repeat questions from the audience so everyone can hear them. This also gives you few seconds to ponder your answer. Bridge back to your messages as often as you can. This keeps you focused.

. End on a timely basis: You should decide when the Q & A session is over (unless there is a moderator). If it feels like things are winding down, just say, “We have time for one final question” and wrap up.