Nothing is better than to be WOWed by a great speaker. You know when you hear one and you spend the next week telling everyone about her. So, have you ever sat in an audience and while listening to a mind-blowing speech thought I want to do that too?

Well, you can!

Everyone should learn how to speak in public confidently and comfortably. It is one of the most important assets to a business career. Women in business and women entrepreneurs, particularly, must learn how to present themselves so they create a memorable legacy. There is no better way to share your expertise and story. Companies, organizations, schools and more are always looking for speakers on a variety of topics and it is crticial to your visibility and success to put yourself out there.

But I can hear you whispering to me - "Vicki, don't you know that the #1 fear in life is public speaking. I'd rather die than speak in public!" My answer is - "GET OVER IT!" And, let me help you.

First, let me remind you that one of the most serious public speaking jobs in the country is held by mostly women - what job am I talking about? Teaching, of course! Think about - every day in classrooms across America teachers are doing their best to get the attention of the most difficult audience they will ever meet - students. If they can do it - so can you.

Giving a speech is basically teaching an audience, or better said, informing them, entertaining them and/or persuading them to learn your point of view or information. Believe me, even teachers understand the importance of entertaining their students so that they will listen and learn.

Tip #1 - Connect With Your Audience

The best way to do this is to know as much about them as possible before you present to them. If you are giving a speech about what you do in business you most likely understand what your prospects are interested in. But you also need to know so basic demographic information so you can relate with them on all levels. Are they male or female? Young or old? Do they know each other or do them come from far away and need to connect with each other as well as you? Are they new to your subject or just not a customer yet? What businesses are they in? Are they decision makers or are they there to learn and take information back to others at the company?

If you don't have the answers to all these questions before you begin your speech then have some fun at the beginning of the talk and ask? I generally start out with, "Before I tell you about myself, I want to know more about all of you?" Then, if available write on an easel or dry erase board some of the details you gleen from your questions.

I promise you it will help you calm down if you begin your presentation this way and it will get your audience engaged as well.

Remember, to smile and be animated showing your personality and enthusiasm for your topic. Audiences need to feel that you are fully engaged. Make sure to speak slowly and take pauses and a breaths regularly. This gives your audience time to catch up and digest what you are saying. The key to every speech is to: tell them what you are going to tell them, then tell them, then, tell them what you told them.

Tip #2 Know Your Message

This sounds so simple yet I, like you, have witnessed on too many occasions speakers who clearly get lost in their presentation. As a women in business or women entrepreneur, you know your topic before you accept the speaking opportunity. Right?

You must know the purpose of your speech. Do you want to inform your audience? Persuade them to buy your product and/or service? Entertain them with your story? What is your end game?

When writing your speech you must know the answers to these questions because it is important while speaking that you know what your audience is thinking. I know what you are thinking now- "Vicki, how can I know what my audience is thinking?" If you write and present the best speech of your life the audience will be thinking exactly what you want them to be thinking - "She is someone I'd like to know better." OR "I want what she is selling." The key to this is being friendly, open and honest and relatable to the audience. It is important to note that what you say is not as important as how you say it. People only remember about 10% of what you say, but if the speech is good they will remember you for a lifetime.

Tip #3 Be Prepared

Murphy's Law - if something can go wrong it will. But, don't let that throw you. When things go wrong, if handled properly, the audience has another reason to remember the event and you. The important thing is to not get rattled by problems. For example, the mic doesn't work - no worries tell them you will use your big girl voice - or the voice you use with your kids - get a laugh and move on. Don't wait around for someone to fix the problem as if you are a DIVA who needs everything perfect before she starts.

Always check out the room you will be speaking in before your talk. Get comfortable with the size. Make sure you have water available. Know who will introduce you and how they will introduce you. Don't repeat your bio after someone uses it to introduce you! Listen to the speakers who precede you and refer to something they said. It makes you look like a team player and interested in what everyone has to say - not just yourself.

Finally, think about yourself as a super star for at least that moment you are standing on the stage. You are a woman in business with a message, and you are strong and invincible - you are ready for your closeup....go get em!