At first, deliver 25-30 minute free talks to service clubs and community organizations. Consider it to be your off- Broadway tryout. Do the following to put you at ease when delivering a speech. Your speech needs a beginning, middle, and end. End your speech on a strong note by asking a question, providing a quote, tell a story or leave them laughing.
Stories are out there - everywhere.
Find them in the stores, at restaurants, on the airplane, at home. People retain information better when hearing a story. Practice your speech out loud. Also do this when giving a program to a live audience. Practice pausing before and after important points.