"If you want me to speak for an hour, I'm ready. If you want me to speak for a few minutes, I will need several weeks to prepare." -Mark Twain
Joe Lex's How to Give a Damn Good Talk: http://freeemergencytalks.net/?p=3686
1. Know the type of talk you're giving
Formal/informal, lecture/discussion, objectives
2. Know your audience
Understand their knowledge/motivation
3. Know your ending
Develop your conclusion first
4. Know your beginning
Memorize opening line
5. Know your material
You should know something your audience doesn't
6. Know your voice and tone
Speak loudly, enunciate clearly, avoid "roodles" (um, okay, etc.)
7. Know body language
Use exaggerated gestures, move around
8. Know your environment
Don't use podium or laser pointer
9. Set the ground rules
Ask or questions before conclusion, summarize take-home points
10. Deal with stage fright
Practice, practice, practice