1. Know the needs of your audience and match your contents to their needs. Put what you have to say in a logical sequence. Know your material thoroughly.

2. Body language is important. Standing, walking or moving about with appropriate hand gesture or facial expression is preferred to sitting down or standing still with head down and reading from a prepared speech.

3. Speak with conviction as if you really believe in what you are saying. Persuade your audience effectively.

4. Do not read from notes for any extended length of time although it is quite acceptable to glance at your notes infrequently. Speak loudly and clearly.

5. Maintain sincere eye contact with your audience. Use the 3-second method, e.g. look straight into the eyes of a person in the audience for 3 seconds at a time.

6. Speak to your audience, listen to their questions, respond to their reactions, adjust and adapt.

7. Pause. Allow yourself and your audience a little time to reflect and think.

8. Add humor whenever appropriate and possible. Keep audience interested throughout your entire presentation.

9. When using audio-visual aids to enhance your presentation, be sure all necessary equipment is set up and in good working order prior to the presentation.

10. Have handouts ready and give them out at the appropriate time. Tell audience ahead of time that you will be giving out an outline of your presentation so that they will not waste time taking unnecessary notes during your presentation.

11. Know when to stop talking. Use a timer or the microwave oven clock to time your presentation when preparing it at home.