Speech Tips:
1) Know the location
If you're speaking in a new location, make sure to arrive early so that you can find the correct area.
If possible:
- Use the microphone or podium so that you don't get surprised by anything when you go on
- Make sure your presentation aides work - make sure there's power available if needed, etc.
2) Know your audience
If you're speaking in front of an audience of strangers then greeting some people from the crowd may help. It's easier to give a speech to a group of friends than a group of strangers.
3) Know your material
The more you know about your topic the easier the speech is.
4) People want you to succeed
The audience is with you, they want you to be successful.
5) Don't apologize
If you don't tell them you made a mistake then they often will not know. A missed fact, a skipped bullet, or even a long pause as you find your place again can all be interpreted as being part of the speech. Just let it go or come back to it later. If you tell them then they're sure to notice it.
6) Look up
This is especially important if you're reading a prepared speech. If you look down the audience will lose interest in you. Look at them, all of them, they'll respect you more.
7) Gain experience
The more speeches you give the easier they become.