Communicate skillfully, successfully, and confidently. A ten-step process

To compete successfully in the 1990s, professionals must be good oral communicators. The opportunities are many: to persuade customers/clients, motivate employees, influence funders, explain to federal regulators, or to inform community groups. Unfortunately, most people have no formal training in presentational skills. This paper outlines three phases--complete with key steps--of effective public speaking: 1) fine-tuning your oral communication skills, 2) learning about audience and setting, and 3) tailoring content and delivery strategies accordingly.