Speaking tips

• Use an original opening
  Attract attention with news, an anecdote, a quotation or a joke.
• Use structure in your story
  Use for instance:
  - Past, present, future
  - Tell your audience what you are going to tell them, tell them, then tell what you have told them
  - What-Why-Who-Where and How.
• Know your audience!
  Does the audience know anything about the subject?
• Are you going to talk in a formal or informal manner?
• Know what you are going to say
  Write down at least the beginning and the end of your speech. Use a note with keywords.
• Keep it simple
  Use 'normal' language. Don't use terminology.
• Make contact with your audience
  Establish and keep eye contact.
• Use body language
  Illustrate your speech with the use of mimics and gestures.

Further reading:
The Oxford Union Guide to Successful Public Speaking
by Dr. D. Hughes and B. Phillips
London, Virgin Books, 2000 (order at amazon.com)

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