There are many rules for delivering public speeches. However, the most important rule is to engage in the audience right from the start and in a short of period of time. The longer the speech the more the audience feels bored. So, here are some of the basic rules:
1) Start off with friendly introduction laying out the general framework for your speech/presentation.
2) Try to explain the main question or issue in your speech.
3) Deliver the main the points in the speech/presentation. Sometime it is good to stay away from the paper in front of the speaker.
4) Deliver your speech in a firm language and be as clear as possible. The audience includes specialists and non-specialists.
5) End on a high note by summarizing the main issue.
6) End the speech/presentation in a short period of time, of course this depends on the nature of the speech more.
Finally, the speaker will have to take with open hear questions from the audience and answer them in clear manner and to the satisfaction of the audience.
Bashar H. Malkawi, S.J.D., is Dean and Professor of Law. His academic career has traversed both business and law schools, teaching in Jordan, UAE, Italy, and United States. Prof. Malkawi with with international organizations, governments, and multinational law firms on matters related to law.