The odds are that you are reading this article because you have been asked to give a speech or a first time presentation and you need some public speaking help. Either that or it is a while since you were one of those people presenting speeches and you want to brush up on your skills. If you are about to give a best Man or Bride Groom speech then there is something here especially for you at the end to. And finally, if you are just looking for free stuff on the Internet then that’s cool too, just make sure that you give credit where it is due by referencing the author and presenting4dummies please. Thanks.

Whatever your reason for finding yourself reading this article you have come to the right place because I am going to give you ten top practical tips for giving a great speech and being remembered in a positive light for a long time after your speech has ended.

If you are like most people, which in this case literally means most people (about 90% plus of the population) then the thought of giving a speech has not exactly filled you with positive anticipation, great expectations and a fuzzy warm feeling inside, so let’s see what we can do to take the edge off and give you some practical help.

Here are my top ten tips to make your speech wow your audience and relieve your bride and groom, not to mention yourself.

1. Always try to start your speech with something unexpected that immediately gains the attention of your audience and puts both you and them at ease. It would be something simple like a funny quote or something interactive. A joke always works IF (and only IF) you can absolutely guarantee that they your audience will find it funny. There is nothing worse than starting a speech on a downer and it will destroy your confidence and your audience’s interest in you, so use jokes very carefully and very sparingly. The odds are that you are not a professional comedien, so don’t make a fool of yourself trying to be one.

2. It’s an old and over used cliché but it was never truer than when it comes to giving speeches or public speaking:

‘People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan!’

It is also true that proper planning prevents pretty poor performance, so if you want to give a really good speech then plan it properly. Don’t just write something that you think will do because when your day comes everything can, and probably will, go wrong. Have a plan, don’t wing it and practise what you are going to say until you can do it without notes. By all means keep them close but only for reference. It may sound a big deal but then so is giving a great speech and you owe it to your client, boss, friends or family to make your contribution to their occasions the best it can be. The obvious mark of anyone giving a speech is how well prepared they are and it says everything about them.

3. Focus upon the outcome. What exactly is it that you want to achieve? What is the desired outcome of your presentation or speech? Having got that firmly into you mind focus upon it at every stage of the process and ‘see’ yourself presenting it well. There is nothing like positive expectation to spur you on.

4. Be enthusiastic and show some passion about your subject. There is nothing more infectious than enthusiasm and it can turn a mediocre speech into a monumental one. The other thing about enthusiasm is that it helps to calm the nerves and sooth anxiety, which is never a bad thing. Beware of being over enthusiastic of course and try to spread your energy out so that it lasts throughout your entire speech.

5. Visit the venue in advance and get a feel for the place. If you are using equipment then make sure you know where the sockets are and ask if the venue can provide extra leads if you need them. If not then you will have to bring your own. Notice things like light and heat and know how to brighten the room up and cool it down in advance of your speech if necessary. Too dark and too hot can make an audience tired and less attentive so arrive early and make sure that you are in control the venue and the venue is not controlling you. Arriving early also gives you some time to calm down and relax before giving your speech or presentation.

6. Get your audience involved and engage then whenever possible. You can download some great audience engagement tools on my web site but for now think of something that is suitably appropriate to gain the participation of your audience and add to their experience of the event. You can do this through questions, exercises or examples but make sure that what you do is simply and effective. You also engage your audience through your own presentation so make a point of looking around your audience and making eye contact with them. Beware of focussing your speech to one part of the audience; usually where you get the most support and best responses. Involve everyone and try to make them feel like you are talking directly to each one of them. That will also keep them on their toes and ensure that they give you their undivided attention too.

7. Drilling for oil… This one is really simply. Public speaking is like drilling for oil. If you can’t find oil every time then stop boring! In essence the principle is very simple. If you are not getting the response that you want from your audience then move on to the next thing or wrap it up. A short presentation or speech is always preferable to a long drawn out, painfully boring and embarrassing one. Audiences are generally pretty forgiving but empathy only goes so far.

8. Run through what you are going to say with someone you trust so that you can get some feedback and make minor adjustments where necessary. Then present it to them again just to be on the safe side. There is nothing like having a good plan to have a good outcome.

9. Always try to end on a high note. You can achieve this by giving something away for example. It can be anything from a gift to the bride and groom or bridesmaids or a handout for a professional audience. Make it unusual, appropriate and unexpected and you will always end with a wow of appreciation for your efforts.

10. Regardless of everything your speech or presentation will always go well when you are prepared, practised and perform with an enthusiastic smile on your face, so whatever you do have fun! Remember that you are speaking because people want to hear what you have to say, so relax, smile and enjoy the experience. You have everything you need to do a great job so chill and have a little faith in what you have prepared.

If you are giving a wedding speech or you would like more practical help, tips and ideas then you might like to visit me at Presenting4Dummies.com. I won’t wish you luck because luck has nothing to do with it, so here’s to you preparing, practising and delivering a wow presentation.

If you want to learn more about presenting or any one of the sixteen aspects of presenting and giving great speeches visit my website