Imagine for a moment that you're an expert in the field of infectious disease.

You're invited to be a guest speaker at the local High School to explain to the students the importance of hand-washing in preventing the spread of a highly-contagious staph infection that's invading the country.

During your talk, you notice that, despite your level of expertise and the importance of the subject matter, your audience seems uninterested or even confused. It's at this point you realize there is a big difference between knowing a subject well and communicating it to others effectively.

These 10 helpful tips will help you the next time you need to get your message across.
1. Know your audience
Take the time to learn the demographics of your audience. You'll need to design your speech to the appropriate age and education level of the majority of listeners. A doctorate-level thesis won't mean anything to the group of high school students waiting to hear from you. On the other hand, a simple, plain-speech presentation won't interest a group of graduate school students. Tailor your speech to the audience, and provide them with information at a level they can relate to.

2. Start strong
At the very beginning of your speech, spend some time introducing the subject matter defining the terms and acronyms that you'll be using during your talk. Use this opportunity to assess how aware your audience is about the topic. You can do this by asking “How many of you have heard of…” This interaction will also help you to engage your listeners.

3. Use appropriate visual aids
You know that a picture is worth a thousand words. In some cases, you might want to use photos or other images to demonstrate important facts about your topic. This is especially critical when you're discussing abstract ideas. When you use visual aids, be sure to allow a slight pause so that the audience can absorb the impact. Once they’ve had a few seconds to take it in, they’ll be better able to mentally connect the visual aid with your point.

4. Don't Memorize
Use an outline to organize your speech, but don't memorize it word-for-word. It may be earsier to keep track of where you are if you put your outline on small note cards instead of whole sheets of paper. You want to strive to memorize ideas and concepts rather than sentences and paragraphs. Your presentation will be much more natural that way.

5. Be careful with humor
If you like to use humor to connect with your audience, be aware of appropriate points in your speech where humor will add to your message instead of detracting from it. Always refrain from using off-color jokes, especially those that apply to a specific group of people such as jokes about blondes or Hispanics or men. Timed correctly, a little humor can help you build rapport with your audience.

6. Look 'em in the eye
Your message will be more readily-accepted by the audience if you're able to connect with them both visually and verbally. Focusing on one specific person or area of the group might make the listeners uncomfortable, so be sure you gaze moves around the entire room. Making appropriate eye contact will keep your audience involved during your speech.

7. Use your voice well
When you know the subject matter well, you might have the tendency to talk very fast. Keep in mind that your audience may not be as well-versed on the topic as you are. Speak clearly and at a pace that allows your audience to absorb the message. Be sure everyone in the room can hear you without straining, and use brief pauses and repetition to emphasize key points.

8. Know your stuff
It's essential that you know your facts when delivering a presentation. Make sure you understand any issues or controversies involved in the topic. Spend some time brainstorming on questions your listeners might have, and be sure that your speech answers those questions.

9. Interact with your audience
Once your presentation is complete, encourage your listeners to ask questions and take enough time to provide thorough answers. There should be a set time limit for this Q&A period that you've agreed on with the event hosts. Giving the audience the ability to ask for clarification leaves them with a lasting impression of you and your message.

10. Drive it home
Before you leave, reiterate the most important points of your talk. Repetition will really help the message sink in for your audience. Deliver your summary in such a way that your audience is left wanting more.

Keep these thoughts in mind as you prepare for your next public speaking engagement. With these techniques, you will find yourself in very high demand. There is always a need for a dynamic, effective speaker, and practicing these skills will help you become an expert at communication.