14 Tips For Giving a Great Business Speech

Rich Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes Magazine, gave 14 tips on giving great speeches in his Dec. 10, 2007 column:

1. Avoid using PowerPoint. Tell stories instead.

2. If you must use PowerPoint, use it as a punch line.

3. Get away from the podium. Walk the stage.

4. Learn to speak without notes.

5. Look at individual faces in the audience.

6. Start a speech by polling the audience.

7. On the night before, use antiperspirant cream on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and neck.

8. Wear a blue shirt for TV. Wear a white shirt for a live audience.

9. If speaking outside your company, always wear a suit.

10. Use humor, but make it spontaneous and relevant. Never use bawdy humor or make fun of someone in the audience.

11. Let your energy and passion build during the speech.

12. You can't fake passion. It must be authentic.

13. Finish strong, and don't be afraid to accept applause.

14. Send handwritten notes and small gifts (if appropriate) to the hosts.