i always started by asking them a question and it worked wonders. One I used was do you people expect me to tell jokes? Sorry to disappoint you I failed comedy. It was a very good one with a lot of laughs.

I have given 6 presentations in front of my fellowship and I always start with some ;light hearted humor. Remember, you are up there and they are not so you command the room with what you're saying, just keep it simple and go slow. My biggest issue is talking too fast so I put a note only visible to me somewhere to slow down. I am always a bit nervous before hand but put a microphone in front of me and you'd better have a calendar because I just keep on going. You'll do fine.

Start with a small jest. The last time I had to do this was at a corporate meeting. No one knew me, so I walked up and said, "Hello. I'm Chuck and I'm an alcoholic". Everyone got a good laugh and it was easy street from there. That statement might be a bit strong but even something light hearted could work.

If you’ve got kids … pretend like you’re speaking to them (age appropriate, but same intensity and desire to ‘instill what they need to know’ ). If not, envision speaking to a family member you like And if you really know yur stuff … relax, you can field any question ~

Public speaking is the number one American fear, over death. In the first seven years of business, over 10,000 people attended my seminars.

Twelve Tips for Great Public Speaking and To Banish Jitters

1. Drink WARM water only. Cold water restricts your vocal cords.

2. Avoid caffeine. It makes you jittery.

3. Preparation is key. Type what you want to say, double-spaced, 14 point type. Number the pages. Underline and circle key points. While speaking, glance down at your notes. Look up to re-establish eye contact with people.

4. Practice and time your presentation in advance.

5. On the way to the presentation, warm up your voice: "a- e- i - o - u." While driving, say aloud positive affirmations:

I am a warm, strong, positive person.

I think well on my feet.

I listen to what people need.

I am lucky to lead this group, and they are lucky to be with me.

I enjoy leading this group.

6. Arrive early. Set up, get help with equipment, adjust the lights, etc.

7. Standing at the door, greet people as they arrive. Smile and and shake their hand. Then it feels like you are with friends.

8. Use bold, simple, colorful visual aids. Give people handouts. Most people are visual learners. Visual aids are especially helpful for people with English as a second language.

9. Pace yourself. Smile.

10. Encourage group participation. Ask a question. Invite the group to divide into groups of three. Ask them to discuss the question for eight minutes. After eight minutes, get the attention of the group. Say, "On the count of three, please point to your group spokesperson." (laughter) Then go around the room to hear from each group.

11. Have fun. Get out from behind the podium. Amused, people watched me winding the microphone cord around the table as I walked. Stopped short, I laughed and unwound myself. People say they love my sense of humor.

Imagine your audience is naked....?

Two Harvey Wallbangers....any more and who knows what might happen

Are you planning on using visual aids? Try to if you can. Then you can say 'turn the house lights down so they can see the screen'. When you can't see them out there, it's a lot easier... and a couple of shots of Taquila never hurts.

Oh its so hard. The first time I delivered a keynote lecture in front of 600 students, I nearly had a tennalady moment (hope that translates?). What I did was take my glasses off, then I couldn't see them. My boss said concentrate on your subject and not on yourself. You know your stuff, thats what your audience needs.