"Public speaking is the art of diluting a two-minute idea with a two-hour vocabulary. John F. Kennedy

Delivering speeches, making presentations, giving lectures and even orating a toast at an important dinner can fill people with a fear worse than death. Public speaking need not stand alongside the ranks of the Guillotine or public hanging in terms of anxiety and terror. Being nervous is natural and proves that not only are you alive and human, but you are also interested in effectively communicating. Too much nail-biting and worry can be detrimental to the speech or important lecture you want to give.

The key is to win over your audience, draw them into your passion for the subject you are orating about. If you are excited and interested, chances are that will be effusive and enthusiastic to your audience. Enthusiasm spreads faster than a virus and thats a good thing when you are trying to convey ideas and opinions.

Here are 10 tips for successful and memorable public speaking:

1. Be familiar with your surroundings. Before you give your address, know the room you will be speaking in. Practice walking on the stage or speaking area, move throughout the room and hold the microphone. Distributing your energy in the space will give you a sense of ownership- you were there first, before all the other people arrived, providing you with a sense of familiarity that can lower tension.

2. Get to know your audience. Isnt it easier to talk to a group of friends than a roomful of strangers? Shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries and greeting your audience will enhance this friendly feeling. Saying hello and smiling will warm the audience up to you and vice versa.

3. Know your stuff. Being clear and familiar with the material to be presented will lesson nervousness. It is easier to speak on a subject that is ingrained in your brain than new an uncomfortable material. Practice alone or in front of close friends or family members for a test run, giving you a chance to foul up or decipher if something doesnt make sense and make necessary changes.

4. Be relaxed. Exercising by stretching or yoga or push-ups will release body tension and free your mind for the task at hand.

5. Manifest your success. Imagine and visualize a successful speech with clear, loud and self-assured vocalization. Thinking success brings on success.

6. Recognize that your audience isnt interested in failure. Your audience WANTS you to be successful. People are dying for inspiration, stimulation, entertainment and information. Nobody wants to see you fail.

7. Never apologize. Keep your mistakes to yourself. Most people dont notice when a blunder happens. You are familiar with your material and know when you foul up but chances are your audience is too wrapped up with all the stimulation going on and will not catch errors or slips. Dont bring unnecessary attention to mistakes and you audience wont notice.

8. Focus on the points. Concentrate on what you want to convey, the overall message is what is important. Forget about your anxieties and nervousness and bring the focus away from yourself. It is more important the people understand what you are saying than having them recognize your edginess.

9. Positive Energy prevails. Transforming nervousness into enthusiasm and vivacity is only a matter of perspective. The feelings are the same, skewed a little differently. Change anxiety into excitement.

10. Experience rules. Effective speaking comes from experience. Experience in life gives knowledge, understanding and confidence. Confidence is the most effective tool, bringing trust in yourself that in turn allows others to trust you and what you are communicating.

Eric Hartwell
http://theworldsbesthomepage.com/