Public+Speaking

Pre Speech:

 * ==look and act confident even before you begin==
 * ==refrain from making side comments on your way to the podium==
 * ==don't delay getting started, your audience may get restless==
 * ==don’t be afraid to wait quietly until your audience is ready to receive your message==

Eye Contact:

 * ==make eye contact with different people, or areas in the room during your speech. This will help the audience engage with the speaker and be more attentive.==

Facial Expression:

 * ==pleasant facial expression is best (no grimacing!). Facial expression may change with the topic for example a look of surprise for a startling fact or smile for funny anecdote.==

Movement:

 * ==Refrain from excess body movement which can be distracting to the audience. This includes jingling coins in your pocket, swaying from side to side, playing with your hair, tapping fingers on the podium etc.==

Gestures

 * ==Some gestures are appropriate at times. An example of this would be to indicate the size for something, or to set the stage for your topic.==

Volume:

 * ==You should be heard by all people in the room. Try to project your voice rather than shout. If speaking in a large room you should request a microphone.==

Pacing:

 * ==Most people tend to speak faster when under stress. If a speaker speaks too quickly he/she is hard to understand. You gain emphasis and dramatic impact by varying your pace. A good speech pace is about 130 words per minute.==

Inflection:

 * ==Inflection is varying volume, pace and pitch of your voice. This makes for a much more interesting speech to listen to than a monotone.==

Articulation:

 * ==You should know how to pronounce all the words in your speech clearly and properly. If you stumble through certain passages during practice, take the time to re-word it.==

Post Speech:

 * ==Don’t bolt from the podium! Walk slowly and confidently away from the spot you made your speech from.==