Body language is key to effective public speaking.  It does not matter if you are a business executive delivering a speech or if you happen to be the mother of the bride - pay heed to this one:

THE EYES HAVE IT, THE BODY GIVES IT

Backing up your words with confident eye contact and body language can be a persuasive means of getting your ideas across. Consider for a moment some of the more successful speakers you have seen. Typically, they look completely natural addressing a crowd - as comfortable addressing five hundred people as they would be speaking to five people.

When you stand in front of a crowd, focus on standing up straight and projecting your voice to the audience. Make eye contact with individuals rather than gazing out at the back of the room. By making eye contact your speaking becomes far more intimate with your audience. And don’t be afraid to smile occasionally. If anything suggests comfort, it’s a smile. As well, gestures are a convincing way of helping emphasize the ideas in your speech. Remember, commit to your gestures - don’t restrict them or you’ll come across appearing uncertain.

And let’s not forget the lectern. Remember, it is not your dance partner. You don’t grasp it by the sides or slump over it. It is there to hold your notes, a glass of water and, maybe, a handkerchief. If you are feeling comfortable and don’t need to keep looking down at your speech, feel free to step to the side of the lectern during the course of your speech. This shows confidence on your behalf and also removes the barrier between you and the audience.

Even the greatest public speakers will experience these sometime.  Learn to manage them and you will surely get to the next level as a public speaker.

NERVES

It’s really the most disturbing part of giving a speech, isn’t it? The sweating, the trembling voice, the dry throat and pounding heart. The simple fact of the matter is, most people who give speeches get nervous. It’s natural - really! But how you control your nerves is the sign of a good speaker.

Furthermore, the fact that you’ve been asked to say a few words probably means that you are the best person to do the job. Don’t take that as putting more stress on you. Enjoy yourself, and more importantly, be yourself.
For starters, take a glass of water to the lectern. If you need a drink, remember that there’s no rush. Pause and take your time sipping (not gulping!) the water before picking up where you left off. If you have to cough or blow your nose, turn your head away from the microphone and do it.

If the trembling voice kicks in, focus your efforts on speaking distinctly and at an even pace. Don’t rush yourself, but merely try to establish eye contact with your audience and speak up. Once you find your pace, you’ll be fine.
You should also put a handkerchief (not a paper napkin) on the lectern if you tend to perspire in these situations. Again, don’t rub your forehead vigorously or simply dab the perspiration away. Take a moment to wipe your forehead, place the handkerchief down and then move on.

Another couple of common hazards of public speaking are shaky hands and the stuck-in-one place mannequin stance. Standing in a frozen position is not a good way to win over your audience. The best thing you can do is to occasionally shift your foot position or move your arms. Again, keep breathing and relax your limbs. You can read more about this under the section Eye Contact and Body Language.
Other than that, if you want to ease your nerves before speaking, try to focus on something calming. Think of something that relaxes you. If that doesn’t work, try to treat the nervous energy you have as something that you can use to your advantage. Direct that energy into your speech.

Today, just before the weekend is upon us will take a break from the public speaking tips.  We will continue with those next week. Instead I will post a smple speech.  This one is an Anniversary Toast for Grandparents.  If your grandperants anniversary just happens to take opalce around now, please feek free to use the speech.  If not, it can still give you a good idea about the ways a speech shopuld be structured.

Anniversary toast for grandparents

What an honor it is to speak at my grandparent’s [#] anniversary. It’s not often we get an opportunity to celebrate an event like this, so I think, first off, congratulations are in order.

[#] years! Some day I hope I’ll be able to say I even lived that long. But to be married! To actually live with another person for that length of time - it’s remarkable. I mean, our parents had us out of the house after 18 years, and, admittedly, all of us kids had probably had enough of them by that time, but [#] years! This should win you a prize of some sort, shouldn’t it?

Honestly, now, I know we don’t get many opportunities to tell you, but you should realize how much of an inspiration your marriage is to all of us. It gives us all great pleasure celebrating the commitment you have shown one another in your lives, and you should know the influence of your love is not lost on this family. I’m sure part of the reason Mom and Dad have such a wonderful marriage is because, in this case, (mom/dad) grew up in a very loving household. Naturally, that spirit of love and support has been passed along to our generation.

Of course, as grandchildren we always revere what you’ve said. Some of our fondest memories from childhood revolve around them. What stands above all is the impression that you were always so happy to see us, always interested in what we were doing and thinking.

Later, as we grew up and began seeing you for the adults you are, we began appreciating all that you’ve done with your lives. [Granddad and Grandma] have very much become a symbol for the joys of leading a long and healthy life. You show us that life doesn’t stop at any age, and that it keeps on getting better if you tackle it with the same energy and interest every day. Naturally, if you’re lucky enough to have a partner there to share the experience, life will be all the more rich.

Having said that, I’d like to propose a toast to the couple who helps show us the way. Would you all raise your glasses and drink to [NAME & NAME], still, after all these years, the happy couple!