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While hard work and good ideas are essential to success, our ability to express those ideas and get others to join us is just as important. Much of this verbal expression will be one on one or in small groups but periodically (and for some of us often) we will be involved in more formal and public speaking in front of larger numbers.

If this thought makes you nervous you are not alone. Many speakers lack the skills and confidence to make effective presentations. We have all been victims of speakers (eg. teachers) who put us to sleep (well my History Teacher just flashed my sight). Despite knowing how ineffective many speakers are, many of us have found that, despite the best intentions, we haven't fared much better. We knew the topic and the ideas were written down, but the presentation still didn't go well. Was it the way we delivered the speech? Was it because the audience didn't seem interested?

Below are some of the points that I collected for to be an effective speaker.

• Know your Audience.
• Be prepared before and get back to it. Don’t wait for the last minute.
• Prepare an effective slideshow, which adds some more light to your oral presentation.
• Use a formal dress code.
• Practice it before you present, if you are not a regular speaker.
• Be clear about your purpose.
• Be structural and flexible in your presentation.
• Look at the Audience and start with a strong voice.
• Create an effective introduction.
• Eye contact is your primary tool for establishing audience involvement; look at your audience in random rotating order.
• Use supporting materials to flesh out main points
• Use Visual Aids to Enhance the Message
• Sound spontaneous, conversational, and enthusiastic
• Use Body Language Effectively: relaxed gestures, eye contact.
• Alternative moving and standing still, speaking and listening, doing and thinking; use physical space and body movement to enhance your message
• Create an effective conclusion.
• Lastly give the Audience the section of question and answer.

Now just GO ON!

Need your feedback and valuable suggestions on this topic.
Pl feel free to give some more points which can be added to the checklist.