Section outline

      1. In order to become a successful speaker you must have knowledge, skill and integrity (DLI, 1996).
        You cannot present a subject you know little about, so thorough research is necessary. Also, you need to know more about the topic than the audience does, otherwise people will not be interested in what you have to say. Skill in presenting the subject matter will help you keep the audience’s attention, will facilitate the listening process and will give you a sense of confidence. When we talk about a speaker’s integrity, we emphasize the fact that in order for the audience to listen, trust and follow you, they need to perceive you as a sincere person.
      2. To be able to communicate successfully we need feedback from whoever we are speaking to. Therefore, in public speaking, the most important element of preparation is understanding your audience.
      3. Public speaking differs from everyday conversation in that it is usually more formal and uninterrupted. It should also be organized better and accompanied by more careful nonverbal behavior.