or coworkers—keep you up at night? You can learn how to perform this feat without losing

sleep—or your lunch. You will need A tape recorder, a video camera, or a friend Index

cards A pen and an audience. Step 1. If possible, choose a topic that you’re familiar

with. This will make it easier for you to feel confident and share some personal experiences.

Being enthusiastic about the subject is also helpful. Step 2. Do your research. Make sure

you have a broad understanding of the topic as well as a few facts and figures to bring

up. Don’t overdo it—people will tune out if you hit them with too many statistics.

Be judicious with the numbers Step 3. Choose two to three main points. You don’t

need to give an exhaustive account of your topic. Step 4. Keep it brief. If you talk

for too long, people’;s concentration will begin to drift, no matter how riveting

you are. Step 5. Know your audience. This will help you tailor your talk to fit their

needs. Ask yourself what they’re hoping to get from your speech. To establish a connection

with your audience, learn the names of some of its members beforehand, and incorporate

them into your talk. Step 6. Use an outline. It’s best if you don’t have to read

your speech verbatim. You might have to write it out initially, but when you’re ready

to speak, an outline will help you remember your main points. Write your outline on index

cards, which will be less awkward than paper to flip through while you’re speaking.

Step 7. Rehearse. Some experts recommend memorizing your speech, while others say to present your

main points but also speak off the cuff. Test both methods by using a tape recorder, video

camera, or a friend who’s willing to listen. Concentrate on what you’re actually

saying so it doesn’t sound rote. Even if you’ve rehearsed every day for a month,

you want it to sound spontaneous. Step 8. When it’s time to speak, do your best

to relax. If you’re in a place where you can stretch, stretch away. And breathing

exercises are always useful. Step 9. Plant your feet firmly—but keep your legs slightly

bent to prevent locking your knees, which can lead to fainting. Make sure your upper

body is aligned with your legs, and don’t sway. Step 10. Keep your hands on the podium,

holding your outline, or just down at your sides—but not in your pockets. You can gesture

if it helps, but be careful not to overdo it or nervously repeat the same gesture. Step

11. Maintain eye contact. Imagine that the audience are friends and family, and address

them personally. Step 12. Don’t forget to smile, unless, of course, you’re speaking

on a particularly somber topic. Step 13. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect. Nobody is

perfect. It’s okay to make some mistakes. Don’t forget that the audience is on

your side. They know how hard it is to speak in public and they are most likely admiring

your bravery. Step 14. Be yourself. You have something to bring to this topic that nobody

else does, so don’t hold back from sharing some of your own experiences and knowledge.

Step 15. Use humor when appropriate, and don̻’t be afraid to mention your shortcomings and

mistakes if they help make a point. The audience will love you for it, and you just might grow

to love—or at least endure—public speaking. Did you know In a 1974 episode of The Brady

Bunch, Marcia Brady advised her sister Jan to imagine that the audience was in their

underwear. Hey, it’s worth a try!