The goal: The goal is that every listener leaves with new information recorded in his or her long-term memory.
Location: The best places is the front center position of the stage. Madonna does not perform behind a podium of any kind. Elvis never used a podium of any kind. Mick Jaeger was always at the front of his group. They know how to leverage that location into big money. You should always capute that position when you face an audience.
Knowledge level. Before you appearance acquire information about the knowledge level of your audience. Know in advance if you are speaking to high school students or old politicians. Adjust your speech to the level of your expected audience.
Notes. Notes are always acceptable. The antiquated technique was 3 by 5 file cards. The modern way is notes in a phone. Keep you notes in one hand as you speak. Look at your notes whenever necessary. Abraham Lincoln had notes in the palm of one hand when he spoke to the people of Gettysburg.
Speed. Speak at the same speed that an experienced note taker can transcribe your speech. At the end of each sentence pause for 2 seconds. Check the audience for a raised hand. If there is no raise hand then smile at a person in the first three rows for one second.
Connect. Make people in the audience feel included. Perhaps ask a question to the audience "Have you heard what Edgar Dijkstra did?" Let each listener think the question is directed to him or her. Most of the time no one will know the answer. This gives you an opportunity to answer your own question. A question directed to the audience is a connection with the audience. Patrick Henry had to "flail around" to get the attention of politicians of his time. Michael Jackson had to walk backwards to connect with the audience. He knew how to c
Reward(s):
An increased number of points earned for the semester total
Practice for a future event when big money will ride on the outcome of the presentation
Practice for a future event when your career promotion hangs in the balance.
Practice for a possible career as a criminal lawyer (prosecution or defense).
A draft completed April 9, 2026.