Chances are, if you’re reading this book, you are looking for a way to improve your public speaking. Maybe you want to know how your classmate Steve is so comfortable on stage. Maybe you just want to know how to write your speech. Or maybe your grandma bought you this book as a gift, and you just don’t want to hurt her feelings by tossing it aside. Whatever the circumstances, this book will definitely help you learn how to be a better speaker. Remember to thank Grams later!

There are 5 things that can make up a great speech, and here they are:

1. A clear structure (ex. : beginning, body, conclusion)

2. Good body language and postures (ex.: eye contact, hand gestures)

3. Appropriate volume – soft (think whispers), normal (think casual conversation) or loud (think shouting)!

4. Remember to maintain eye contact with your audience throughout your speech. As I say again later in the book, using eye contact is important because it increases people’s sense of credibility, and it makes them feel like an important part of the “conversation”(a.k.a. speech) that you are presenting to them.

5. Practice, practice, and more practice. Don’t forget practicing!

As you read this book, remember the three main rules of thumb (“Rules of thumb” are things to keep in mind.):

1. Smile, no matter what the circumstances (And yes, even if the audience is throwing rotten fruit at you. I highly doubt any of your speeches could be that bad, but you never know…) 
2. Practice and prepare well for your speech 
3. Have fun!

That’s it!