Inspired by 25 Skills Every Man Should Know, I pondered a list of the 25 essential skills every public speaker should have. How did I do?
Every public speaker should be able to:
... the article continues here - great reading (as usual)
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Designing presentations without bullets is easy, but involves layout, thinking about your content and the processes you're describing, working with images that function as metaphors, and more.
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I recommend Cliff Atkinson's book, Beyond Bullet Points. It's a complete system for designing and organizing presentations without bullet points.
Now for the shortcut....
Effective Public Speaking: Audience Contact
Although speaking in public is really a monologue of sorts, this monologue is addressed to a ready, able and receptive audience who wants to learn from you as much as you want to learn from them.
Speaking in public would be more effective if it is listened to. The following are effective tips to maintain that necessary contact with the audience.
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Why should I bother using humour in my presentations?
Can't I just deliver my information and sit down?
You sure can! That's what most people do. The problem is that most people are not effective presenters. They are nighty-nite, snooze-inducing, say-your-prayers, hit-the-sack, unlicensed hypnotists. They are ZZZZZs presenters. They might be experts in their field and able to recite hours and hours of information on their topic, but is that effective?
The New Talkpower: The Mind Body Way to Speak Without Fear
(Capital Ideas for Business & Personal Development)
(Capital Ideas for Business & Personal Development)
by Natalie H. Rogers
" . . .the ultimate workbook . . .perfect for public speaking novices or for speakers with a tough case of stage fright." -- Continental Magazine, November 28, 2000
"Natalie Rogers. . . she shows you. . . how to write, how to talk, how to be. . . so you can perform like a pro. It's magic. . ." -- Henry J. Fishman, M.D., creator and host of "TVMD," PBS national network
If you speak for a living, whether you are part time, full time or BIG time, you need to be guided by strategies that get you the bookings. Here is what my 20 plus years booking and coaching speakers has taught me. (... more)
At one time or another, your boss has probably said to you, "Don't get caught sitting down on this one." The problem is, many sales presentations are made while you're doing exactly that - sitting down.
It's more difficult to be impressive and in control when making a seated presentation than when standing, say Judy Stein and Marya Holcombe, principals of Strategic Communications, Inc., a consulting firm in New Haven, Conn. They believe sales people who don't adjust their delivery style inadvertently put themselves in the hot seat.
Fortunately, the problem is easily remedied with a few simple modifications. Here's what Stein and Holcombe suggest:
This film is pure nostalgia! Great for training in the office as an ice-breaker. It takes us through the basics of effective public speaking, with its focus on body posture and gestures. 
Before you open your mouth to say the first word of your speech, you are communicating with the audience. Your stance, facial expression and body language are a picture that paints a thousand words. Make it calm, confident and pleasant, and you start "on the right foot"! So plant both of your feet, stand up straight and smile at them. You'll feel confident, sincere and professional and the audience will know. Than you can play with them.