I got started in the nonprofit field in my early 20's back in the 1960's when I was asked to be the executive director of a major civil rights organization in the Mississippi Delta. During the first few months of my tenure I had to give a speech at a Presbyterian church. I was horrified at the prospect of talking to a bunch of people I didn't know, and sure enough when I stood up and began my speech, I completely blanked out.

For many executive directors public speaking is one of the most frightening and least desirable aspects of the job of leading a nonprofit organization; however, it is among the most important and critical components of your job! While it's certainly important to be able to write clearly and succinctly, the primary way you will be convincing people to give you money, to lobby your bill, and to support your organization is through public speaking. No one can sell your values, your ideas and your organization better than you.

Obviously, my first foray into public speaking as an executive director didn't go too well. But, I pushed myself to confront this fear and today I welcome and love the opportunity to speak in front of audiences.

Here are some wonderful strategies I have learned over the years that might help you become a better and more confident public speaker:

1. Evaluate the audience you are speaking to. Prior to the speaking engagement evaluate who you will be talking to and what they will want out of your speech. And be sure to use language that the audience will understand.
2. Write notes that will jog your memory. Do NOT write the entire speech. Write out the three key points that you want to convey to your audience, or the three action steps you want them to take when they leave. Don't write the whole speech, and for goodness sake, don't read the speech. Write key notes and points and speak from them with passion and energy.
3. Maintain eye contact with the audience. Pick out a few people in the audience that look friendly and focus your eye contact on them - they will help calm your nerves. You'll also want to scan the room so the rest of the audience feels you are talking to them. Don't forget to look toward the back of the room, as well.
4. Use plenty of emotion and passion. Don't be afraid to use energy and passion when speaking. Get excited! It's fine to bring in statistics, but don't forget to bring in a story to personalize your presentation so the audience can relate personally to your topic.
5. Be natural in front of an audience (even if it is totally unnatural). Try to relax when speaking to the audience. Start off with a story or a joke (even if it is on yourself) to relax yourself and the audience. Don't be afraid to be a bit animated with your hands. And try to walk around the stage instead of standing staunch behind the podium - walking around will naturally loosen you up.
6. Pass around a sign-up sheet. When speaking to a small to mid-sized audience (fewer than 100 folks) pass around a sign-up sheet and ask the audience members to provide their name, e-mail address, and mailing addres so they can receive your newsletter and keep up with the events of your organization.
7. Speak in front of a mirror. Try to practice your speech beforehand so that the first time you speak is NOT in front of the audience. Practice by speaking in front of a mirror so you can get an idea of how you appear to the audience.
8. Emphasize key words in your speech. When I give speeches, even now, I underscore key words and phrases that I want to emphasize during the presentation. Nothing will put the audience to sleep faster than giving a monotone, flat speech.
9. Take a deep breath first. When going up to the podium to speak, stop for about three seconds and catch your breath, take a deep breath, and scan the audience. . .then begin speaking.
10. Know the call to action. Make sure you leave your audience with a call to action do something such as volunteer, donate money, make a phone call to a legislator, or even to think about a new idea.