Perhaps you have a special family occasion coming up, like your child's wedding, and your stomach is balling up in knots at the thought of giving a speech that won't see you, or your daughter/son, looking foolish.

 Maybe you need to deliver a presentation that will have major positives for you or your business, if done with style and a little flair.

Or you've been approached to deliver a dear mate's eulogy, only to discover that immediate feelings of terror are overwhelming your grief.

You're not alone. Would it surprise you to learn that about 85% of Aussies struggle with the thought of presenting a speech?

And since it's something that most of us have to do at least once in our lives, we thought a handy, step-by-step guide on how to give a great speech with confidence was in order.

I tapped a rather wise colleague, who is also hired regularly as a public speaker, for some advice on how to write and give your speech. We've also included a fantastic YouTube video that dissects the keynote speech that went on to win then-unknown senator Barack Obama the US presidency - and a reputation as a brilliant speech giver.

Enjoy and happy speaking!

When writing your speech, remember to KISS

Hahaha, no, he doesn't mean smooching, or rocking out to music from the '70s. KISS refers to that old writing adage, Keep It Simple, Stupid!

In other words, when writing your speech, keep it simple and structured, with a tight beginning, a more expansive middle and finish by wrapping up the loose ends.

But first, ask yourself what the single idea is that you want to get across?

Start with a 60-second introduction explaining who you are and what you will be talking about.

Stick to a topic that you know and are passionate about. Share your own personal experiences to engage your audience.

Stay focused. There's nothing worse than a rambling speech. Don't be shy of using reinforcement of your message. Politicians use this trick all the time.

And be careful when telling jokes. If they fall flat as an ice-breaker, it is very hard to recover. Much better to ask your audience a question, such as: "Has anybody ever experienced ???"

How you speak is more important than what you say

It's pointless structuring an Obama-worthy speech if you are going to timidly whisper your way through an agonising few minutes that stretch out like hours.

Better to get on up there and own the space you're in.

If this isn't you, then it's worth faking it til you make it ... perhaps practicing in the mirror or in front of the family dog until you feel more confident.

When the time comes, smile. Have fun with it, let your confidence shine and above all, remember good posture and positive body language will do most of your speaking for you.

If you are nervous and have a tendency to pace or jiggle nervously, plant your feet apart, spread your weight evenly, stand up straight, take a big breath and smile again.

Don't present .... converse!

Think of some of the best speeches you've ever heard/seen. Then think about why they resonated with you.

Was it because the speaker drew you in and had you feeling like you were part of a conversation?

Was it because the speaker was animated and passionate about the subject at hand?

Did they seem authentic, knowledgable and invested in what they were talking about?

Bingo!

Be yourself, engage with your audience by making eye contact, use your knowledge of the topic at hand.

But most importantly, have a conversation with your audience. As people who are there to listen to what you have to say, they are really just friends, after all!

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