If you have had difficulty in completing a public speech before, don't think about it. It is important to visualize yourself giving a well-delivered speech and focus on positives, not any possible negatives in the past.

Remember also that the audience has no idea of what your exact planned speech was. If you deviate a bit from the script, no one will know. Try as much as possible to stay to the original speech and make a small notation of the key points in order to help keep organized when you are actually giving the speech.

Being nervous before a speech is normal, and the adrenalin will help you stay focused and alert during your presentation. By acknowledging that you are nervous and then moving forward with confidence you will adapt to the activity and present a sincere and personal speech.

If you feel that you will have a great deal of difficulty with the speech try practicing the speech in front of people you know and desensitize yourself to the experience.

Finally, remember that it's not necessary to memorize your entire speech word for word. If you do so you might end up delivering it very mechanically and without emotion.

Practice till you fell extremely comfortable. Refer to your written speech only now and then - not continuously. Your words should flow in an easy and conversational manner.

Each member of the audience must feel that you are talking specifically to him or her. That is the ultimate aim and secret of being a good and effective public speaker!