Being able to speak with confidence and pizazz in front of a crowd is something which may of us only could only dream of. I know a lot of us, giving a speech in public can be nerve-racking.

Living with the fear of public speaking or speech anxiety is normal. It is a known fact that even experienced professional speakers do admit that they have fear of speaking in front of a crowd. It is just that they have learned to harness the fear of public speaking and also because of years of exposure and experience.

I totally agree with what Mark Twain said: "There are two types of speakers. Those who get nervous and those who are liars." In other words, every one of us do have some degree of public speaking anxiety.

If you want to speak with confidence, delivering a speech or giving a presentation, the very first thing is you need to know the topic of your talk thoroughly well. You feel comfortable and confident sharing or explaining the content of your speech or presentation. You don't need to remember the content. You will be busy sharing rather than talking to your audience.

Always prepare your talk or speech well in advance. Naturally, the more prepared you are the more confident you will feel about giving your speech or talk. For presentation, make sure you research your material thoroughly, and organize your audio-visual stuff properly.

If you are a novice in public speaking, I would advise you to write out the exactly what you are going to say. A fully-written speech. This is not to be used on the day of your speech or presentation. This fully-written script is for you to rehearse in the privacy of your home or office.

Pay special attention to the opening and the closing of your speech. Normally if you start off well, hopefully without hiccup, that itself can boost your confidence and you will forget about your nervousness. And finish it off with a memorable conclusion.

Stand up straight, smile and look directly at your audience because this will make you appear confident even if you are slightly nervous. The thing is when you feel good and speak with confidence, then your speech or presentation will definitely oozes with zest and enthusiasm. If you struggle and fumble through your talk, people can tell from your tone of your voice and your body language. All those nonverbal communication signals speak volume.

If you are not using a microphone, make sure you project your voice, so that the person in the back of the room should hear clearly what you're saying. Modulate your voice. Make it sound interesting and confidence. Remember to pause every now and then for your listeners to digest and to allow time for you to get your thoughts in order.

The use of hand gestures is equally important, when you want to stress a point in your speech. If you are still learning the rope, then try to avoid humor. Just be yourself and imagine you are having a conversation with your audience. Don't put on act and try to impress. You are there to express your views and share them with your listeners.

Stay focused on the present; that's your speech or presentation. Don't think about the mistakes you have just made or what will happen if you make anymore mistake ahead.

There is no other way to speak with confidence other than practice. Practice your speech or talk as much as you can prior to your speaking engagement.