speaking is a bit like driving

Speaking or communicating, whether publicly or privately, is much like driving. You need FOCUS or full undivided attention while doing the task in order for you to achieve a unified and well-substantiated speech.

A speaker shouldn't stray from the main topic. He should be able to stir every line of his speech into a unified piece by staying focused. There are, however, speakers with very little concentration span. They flutter from one idea to another without connection or repeat one idea over and over again for obviously lack of what to say. It takes practice and the ability to listen to the advise of professional speakers to make one become a very focused speaker.

Only two things should occupy the mind of the speaker while giving a speech:

1. the message

2. the audience

So you have a message to deliver----- do it sincerely from the bottom of your heart and mind. Look at your audience and give them the message.

eye contact with the audience

The first thing that a speaker should do upon reaching the podium is to LOOK at the audience. This is one way of acknowledging their presence and an initial step towards building rapport with them.

What we mean by looking at the audience is this---LOOKING at them eye-to-eye and not just merely glancing or seeing them. Then as you deliver your speech, deliver it to them in the warmest fashion possible. You have a message to tell, then deliver it spontaneously, talk to them in such a way that they will be able to understand your message.

Another thing to remember is the fact that if you have a big audience it is expected that you maintain eye-to-eye contact with everyone---left side of the audience, center, right side. When you focus your attention to only one area, the other parts of the audience will feel neglected. That is why you have to make sure that you do eye contact with the audience who are seated everywhere in the hall.