Ten Tips 1 Planning and preparing well will help develop your confidence, and ensure that your speech or presentation is a success

Ten Tips 2 Focus: Decide on your aim and objectives for the presentation – find out about your audience’s needs, so it’s relevant to them

Ten Tips 3 Gather, prioritise and structure your material

Ten Tips 4: Make brief speaking notes and cue cards to refer to, or if you’re reading a formal script, learn Reading Aloud skills

Ten Tips 5 Use a visual aid to make it more interesting and memorable – but it doesn’t have to be Powerpoint

Ten Tips 6 Rehearse, especially first and last words. Increase confidence, ensure smooth performance and find where you need to make changes

Ten Tips 7 Deal with nerves. Even though you’re prepared and rehearsed, you’ll feel nervous, so study some confidence-building techniques

Ten Tips 8 Work on your vocal and non-verbal communication, develop an interesting voice and support your message with your body language

Ten Tips 9 Prepare for questions in advance, and practice your assertiveness skills for handling the difficult audience with style

Ten Tips 10 ‘How did I do?’ Seek and accept feedback positively, work on your message and delivery for improving your next presentation

Speaking Well In Public’s portfolio of training courses will help you become a more confident, polished and powerful speaker.