1. Know that even professionals — in fact, anyone who gives enough speeches — sometimes receive critical evaluations. When you do, don’t be discouraged. Instead, use criticism as a springboard to analyze how you can improve.
2. Know what your audience expects, even if you have to ask them from the podium, and be prepared to meet those expectations. Have a “Plan B,” just in case.
3. Always give your best. This paid off for me when I went ahead with a speech even though I had a fever, sore throat and aching joints.
4. When it seems feasible, encourage audience participation – sharing of opinions- when you give a presentation
5. Steps to creating a speech: write it all out, read it over a tape recorder; listen and edit; rewrite; revise and tape over a recorder again – timing, words, etc.
