Noting that fear of public speaking is shared by people of all types, the second edition of this book offers practical, easy-to-follow strategies for confident and effective public speaking. The book discusses the following aspects of public speaking: what to talk about; how to research a topic; how to organize a speech; how to keep an audience interested; when and how to use humor; how to control nerves; how to deal with unexpected disasters; and how to use props and gestures. After an introduction, the book is divided into four sections: (1) Getting Ready; (2) Shaping the Speech; (3) Making the Presentation; and (4) Polishing Your Skills. An appendix explains "Five Surefire Starter Ideas." (PM)