Article: When it comes to making your speech work in real life, the most important thing you can do is practice, as much as you can. Try practicing in front of a mirror, so that you can see how you are delivering the speech. This can help you notice your facial expressions and body language. These can help or hinder your ability to get your message across. For example, you might notice you are slouching, or that that you fidget with your collar. These actions suggest to an audience that you aren't confident. Better still, record yourself with a video camera and watch the tape afterwards. This can help you see (and hear) where your delivery needs improvement. It has the benefit of providing audio, and also won't distract you as much as a mirror when you're speaking. Once you've practiced on your own a few times, try giving the speech to a small group of friends or family members. Ask for their feedback on your message and delivery. On the day of the speech, dress appropriately for the venue and audience you'll be speaking to. Generally speaking, this will mean dressing professionally. But, the degree of formality will vary. A speech to a film club to convince them to show your film won't require the same degree of formality as speaking to the executives of a movie distribution company. For the executives, you would want to wear a suit. For the film club, that might be overdoing it. Many people find public speaking intimidating, but try to relax and be yourself as you give your speech. Be friendly and make eye contact with the audience. Move around, where appropriate, but don't fidget or pick at your clothes or hair. Don't read the speech. It's okay to use a few notes to keep yourself on track, but your speech should be mostly memorized. Roll with the punches. If you make a mistake, don't let it derail your whole speech. This might be an opportunity to use a little humor. Then, move on. If there is something specific you'd like your audience to do, provide them with any resources you can to make it easier. It is difficult to motivate people to take action, but if you make it simple, they will be more likely to follow through. For example, if you want them to contact the mayor, demanding a recycling program, don't just ask them to do it. Give them stamped, addressed envelopes to send a letter, or cards with the mayor's phone number and email address. If you do this, many more people are likely to follow through.

What is a summary?
Practice your speech. Dress appropriately. Relax. Involve your audience.