Don't expect to deliver a quality speech without giving yourself ample time to rehearse. Practice your speech repeatedly in simulated conditions to get you ready for the actual event. Gather your friends and family to serve as the audience if necessary. Practice with a timer until you have an accurate idea of how much time you need for your speech, and give yourself extra time for unexpected interruptions. Take the time to perfect your delivery, learn when to pause for breathing and eliminate all filler words.
Use your observational skills to communicate better with the audience. Remember that you are speaking to human beings who react to your words differently. Watch the crowd closely as you deliver your speech and make adjustments as necessary. Successful public speakers feed off their audience and have the ability to read them with ease. For instance, if your listeners are not giving you the attention you desire, try changing your tone or your body language. Interject humorous remarks if the atmosphere seems too tense.
It's fine to use notes during a speech, especially if you are expected to deliver a lengthy one. However, be careful not to become too reliant on them. There are certain lines that will not work if you are looking down as you say them. You don't need notes to introduce yourself to the audience, for instance, nor do you need them to tell them how glad you are to be there. Use your notes as a method of keeping your speech on track, and nothing more.
Get your audience involved in the speech. No matter how skilled you are in public speaking, your presentation will benefit from aids like handouts or a slide show. These additions will help bring your presentation to life, but be wary of relying on them. Have a backup plan in the event your presentation file fails to load or your handouts somehow become lost the moment you search for them. Check beforehand to make sure all necessary equipment is in good working condition.