Dos and Don'ts

Do:

1. Check what is expected of you when invited to speak
2. Prepare in plenty of time
3. Establish a clear structure
4. Prepare good, summarised notes
5. Realise and accept that all good speakers experience nervous tension before speaking
6. Plan and rehearse the start with care
7. Put pace and enthusiasm into your delivery
8. Ensure you are clearly audible to everyone
9. Maintain good, evenly distributed eye contact with your audience
10. Plan and rehearse the conclusion with care

Don't:

1. Prepare too much material: check your timing
2. Try to do without speaker's notes
3. Read the script verbatim
4. Start with an apology
5. Risk weak or dodgy jokes
6. Split your audience's attention by misuse of aids or handouts
7. Rock, sway or use repetitive gestures
8. Clutter your visual aids
9. Gabble or rush
10. Assume hostility