You can have many reasons for speaking in front of a group.

What about influencing people with public speaking? We’ve talked about being prepared and the actual delivery of a speech, but what makes you an influential and effective speaker?

* A good speaker has a sense of responsibility. Thus, he is careful with the things that come out of his mouth. He doesn't bite more than he can chew; nor is the information he is supposed to impart spread thin.

* A good speaker is enthusiastic and alive. He is aware that he is speaking to a group of people with diverse interests and moods. He catches the audience's attention by being himself, genuinely enthusiastic about the topic he is discussing.

* An influential speaker is one who keeps his head. He doesn’t let the opportunity to own the limelight as a chance to grandstand everyone else.

* An influential speaker has a sense of leadership. He speaks with authority, stands up straight, makes eye contact and speaks in a concise and straightforward manner. He injects humor into his speech, but doesn't get carried away with just making small talk.

* A good speaker has a sense of timing. He knows that the people had set aside a part of their lives to listen to what he has to say. He does not waste his and everybody else's time by engaging in empty topics.

Of course, nobody’s perfect. If you, as the speaker, make a mistake, acknowledge the error and make the correction right away. Don't continue apologizing, just move on to the next point immediately after you've made the correction. Apologizing incessantly will do little more than reduce your credibility in the eyes of your audience.

The chance to speak in front of an audience is a gift that you should take very good care of. You have been given the power to influence others by gaining their confidence and respect. Don’t waste this opportunity by beating around the bush. Offer them something of value that will have some effect on their lives.