Speakers can outline and prepare for their presentation. Practices to be well-organized include:

• Key points and structure: Develop a key message for the presentation to which all points will be connected back. Structure the presentation with key points first and provide details afterward.
• Simple language: Make sure to use simple, easy-to-understand language.
• Know the audience and context: Tailor the message, presentation style and language to the audience. Understand any time constraints, the political atmosphere and public sentiment toward the topic.

Rehearsals are chances to get familiar with a presentation and alleviate any stress. Consider the following when rehearsing:

• Practice with a test audience: Reach out to trusted people to conduct a practice run and assess what the audience understood to identify areas of improvement in the speech’s structure or delivery. The test audience can help anticipate potential audience questions and develop answers.
• Record the rehearsal: Recording allows a speaker to review their delivery for potential areas of improvement and strengths.
• Get familiar with the location: When possible for in-person engagements, rehearse in the presentation venue. Seeing the location ahead of time familiarizes a speaker with commute time, where their audience will be and any audiovisual tools needed.
• Avoid over-rehearsing: An overly practiced speech or presentation can sound too rehearsed. Be able to follow the general structure of the presentation but also stay flexible.

Use the following tips to ensure a strong presentation delivery:

• Voice: This is one of the most fundamental instruments a speaker has.
  • Volume: The speaker needs to be clear and audible for the entire audience. Speak so that the person farthest from the stage can hear what is said and use a microphone if needed.
  • Tone: Try to use a neutral or friendly tone when speaking to convey a sense of professionalism and approachability.
  • Enunciation: Say words as clearly as possible.
  • Filler words: Limit disruptive filler words such as “um” or “like.”
• Pacing: Speak at a pace that allows the audience to understand what is being said. Speaking too quickly can jeopardize the public’s understanding and complicate the job for any language interpreters.
  • Pauses: Pauses let speakers take a moment to breathe, collect thoughts and reset pacing.
• Eye contact: Eye contact conveys to the audience that the speaker wants to communicate with them and establishes authenticity. Scan across different areas of the audience to avoid singling out any person.
• Body language: Effective public speakers use gestures and open body language to communicate with the audience.