How do you answer presentation questions? What do you say if you receive a tough question? There are some key steps that you, as a speaker, can take to successfully answer questions.

Do you dislike laughing? No. We all love to laugh. Humour is a choice and a skill. You can make other people laugh.

Are you acting in a certain way around your boss or colleagues so you are accepted? Do you say things to impress others? We all want to fit in, be liked, accepted and respected by other people. In person and on screen, particularly on social media, we often present ourselves as who we think we should be, and not reflecting our true self.

As a speaker, is the art of connecting with an audience the same on every occasion?

Are you aware of what you have communicated when you walk into a room or stand in front of an audience, without saying a word? Imagine you are in the audience and the speaker, with head down, wanders to the front of the audience in her house-painting clothes with splatted colours on her shabby hat, shirt, jeans and shoes. What would you be thinking?  Whether you know it or not, you have made a judgement about the speaker.

Have you ever felt compelled to speak up on an issue? In addition to presenting a speech to an audience, writing a letter or email is another way to express your opinion to make a difference.

Giving a speech at an assembly of adolescents, a black tie dinner, a 21st birthday, a eulogy or the farewell of a retiring colleague, the recipe is the same as for any other speech. Begin with an opening which immediately commands attention, develop the main content (body of the speech) in a logical sequence and conclude with an ending that leaves them laughing, crying or even both. Depending on the occasion, often the purpose of the social speech is to praise, celebrate or remember.

Whether you are at a social occasion, studying, or at work you will find discussions are being held and you are expected to participate.

Giving an opinion is an excellent way to interact with people in formal and informal settings. However, there are some aspects to think about whether you will give an opinion or not.