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When making a speech to a small audience, know who you are talking to, pay attention to the people in the audience, but don't focus too much on them and don't monitor their facial expressions.
When addressing a large group of people or a large auditorium, remember to embrace everybody and try to, even if you're using a microphone, try to project your voice as much as possible.
People often have the misconception that they can't use notes and they can't use a script. The reality is that some of the best speakers use notes and scripts. The difference is you have to deliver rather than read. And by delivery it means that you look up from your words, you read ahead, you don't depend on your script the entire time, but it's there to guide you. If you are talking to a sympathetic audience, it's okay to say "I am a little nervous". They'll forgive you.
Women tend to have a problem with long hair. If you have long hair and you are going to speak, push it back, pin it back.
Men have a problem with pockets. They don't know what to do with their hands. If you are going before a group of business people, you're not going to be wanting to wear a pair of jeans. On the other hand, if you are going in front of an informal group, you want to have them identify with you and be more casual. So when you get up to speak, it's really important for you to remember that you have something to say, you have the right to say it and people want to hear what you have to say.
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