[Overpaid Slacker]

I believe rule #1 is know what you're talking about. It's also rules #2 - 5.

I agree w/ supe that you must speak more slowly than you're accustomed to in conversing; however, go easy on the pauses between sentences. Don't make it into a Pinter play for Chrissake. If you expect your audience to take notes, give them the time to do so, but don't drag it on. I think cadence/rhythm is very important to keeping an audience engrossed.

Pausing at appropriate times (ends of topics or sub-topics) to solicit questions, or to provide a break before you either recap or launch into the next topic is very worthwhile.

I'd recommend an outline, written in LARGE font, as opposed to cards, which make their user frequently look like they're fumbling. If you're going to have a podium or a lectern, bring a bottle of water with you.

I strongly recommend a bit of humor to begin, and self-deprecation is almost always a hit. Use these if you like:

"I'm sorry if I seem a bit nervous. This is my first [type of speech]. The good news is, no matter what happens, this will be my best [type of speech] ever."

or

"I will try to be brief. After all, I'm here to talk and you are here to listen. The hope is we'll both stop around the same time."

And, most importantly, cantdrv55, try to keep the nudity tasteful and integral to the plot.

Levity, charisma and energy are all actually very easy if you know what you're talking about. If you don't, you're pretty much doomed. And don't get wrapped up in the number of people you're addressing, for a variety of reasons.

JP