Whether it is a wedding toast, a eulogy or a corporate presentation, preparation is a key to a successful speech. Few guidelines are given as follows:

Planning:

It involves selecting the right topic and organizing it well keeping in mind the needs of the audience. The purpose of the talk should be clear-whether it is for providing information, analysis, persuasion or entertainment. The time limit should be kept in mind while planning the speech. Also decide upon the visual aids to be used for presentation.

Rehearsal:

After planning the content, take time to rehearse it, to enable you to make the required modifications to your content. Rehearsing in front of others helps you get a correct feedback on your presentation.

Positive visualization:

Visualize yourself giving the speech in a confident loud voice and the required modifications to your content.

Appearance:

You should appear well groomed and well dressed. The clothes should be formal with minimum accessories. A neat appearance will establish your credibility even before you start.

Greet the audience with a smile:

A smile performs the function of a handshake. It is welcoming and builds rapport with the audience. Never start your talk without greeting the audience.

Eye contact:

Good eye contact shows the confidence of the speaker. Maintaining eye contact throughout the talk ensures undivided attention of the audience. It will also give you a feedback about the response of the audience to your speech.

Voice modulation:

Delivering the talk in a monotonous voice will surely put the audience to sleep. Hence, it is important to bring variations in the volume, pitch and tone of speaking, to create and sustain interest.

Use appropriate visual aids:

Visual aids help the audience in retaining the information for a longer time as people remember better, information that is seen by them.

Conclude effectively:

Summarize the main ideas in the conclusion and thanks the audience with a smile for their patient listening.