A Public Speaking Survival Guide

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Before your speech or presentation, inquire about the audience's background, knowledge, needs, level of sophistication, and expectations. This will help you determine your topic, choice of language, use of humor, and type of visuals.

If you're using equipment (like LCD projectors or microphones), always check first to make sure they're working properly. Visit the venue beforehand to adjust your presentation to the space.

Prepare a strong opening and closing -- and make this the only memorized part of your talk. "Grab their attention with a powerful statistic or inviting question, and close with a call to action," says Lisa Braithwaite, a San Francisco-based public-speaking coach. "What do you want them to do as a result of your presentation?"

Avoid speaking in a monotone. Use natural variations in rate, pitch, and volume to emphasize points and maintain interest. At the ends of statements, drop the pitch of your voice to sound confident and assured.

"Jargon is dry, boring, and overused, and can create a barrier between you and the audience when they don't understand, or when it seems that you're trying to appear smarter than they are," Braithwaite says.

Easier said than done for many public speakers. But not impossible. Take deep, energizing breaths from your midsection, allowing your ribs to expand and your lungs to open up fully. Diaphragmatic breathing will allow you to release your exhalation smoothly, says Marjorie Whittaker, a Boston-based speech consultant and founder of the Whittaker Group.

Tune into your audience's reaction and ask open-ended questions. "If they appear confused, in disagreement or bored, be prepared to alter the content or delivery style accordingly," Whittaker says.

Project confidence and competence by standing with your feet six inches apart, keeping your weight on the balls of your feet, Whittaker suggests. Keep your hips squared with your shoulders and hold your head steady with your chin parallel to the ground. Don't pace, rock, sway, or shift your weight restlessly.

Lean slightly toward your audience and look them directly in the eye. Maintain eye contact for each complete thought and then look down or to the side briefly. Be careful not to stare, dart your eyes from side-to-side, or gaze upward.

"This humanizes you to the audience and reduces your own anxiety," Braithwaite says. "The audience can always tell when you're faking it and trying to be someone you're not."