The number one fear of most people is public speaking. No matter how well they cope socially, put them up on a stage in front of an audience and they'll lose their cool. The thing is, there's no way to escape having to give a speech at one point or another in your life. Eventually you'll have to say a few words at that wedding, promotion or graduation.

Preparation for your speech is key. Don't be caught off-guard. Grab a few key lines for the type of event you may be attending. Research a few quotes to add in or a few stories to tell. Give your listener a bit of background information. For instance, if you are giving a speech about a bride, add in the funny stories from when she was younger.

Don't use crutches. This is a radio term but it is applicable every time you speak. Crutches are the words like um, ahhh, or like that are put into speech when you don't know what to say next. Another bad thing to do is repeat your opening line until you remember what to say next. Pauses aren't a bad thing. They make you look like you are thinking about what you want to say next.

Keep it short. There's nothing worse than a speech that drags on and on, especially if the listener knows it's one of many to follow. Don't give unnecessary details or get off-topic. Keep it funny or sweet if possible. Realize your aim and go for it. If you want to see them cry, prepare a speech for it. Don't just hope it will happen. Remember that an awful short speech is still one hundred times better than an awful long speech!

The key to great speeches is confidence. You don't have to have a spectacular vocabulary or a million anecdotes to make a speech incredible. As trite as it sounds, just say it from the heart. People do want to hear what you have to say - you just have to want to say it!