Ask the Expert: "I get nervous when doing a speech. What pointers would you give me to write a great speech?"

Ask the Expert:  “I get nervous when I have to prepare a speech.  What pointers would you give me to write a great speech?”
There are many different approaches to writing a good speech.  Some people focus on establishing eye contact with the audience, others talk about your physical presence, for example are you dressed appropriately, or do you have good posture.  Some talks require 3-5 minute speech, or  TED Talks they require 18 minutes.  Ask “How much time do I have?”, “Who will be attending?”, “Is there anything specific you would like for me to focus on?”, “What is it that you would like for the audience to walk away with?”
I learned the WIIFM principle (What’s in it for me?) from William B. Cole, a speaker, trainer, and consultant. He stated, “People are really only interested in material that affects them…it doesn’t matter how brilliant the speech, apply WIIFM principle and judge if your audience will care about it and use it.” Identify your WIIFM principle before you start to write.  Do research and then choose something that’s of personal interest to you.  The more personal the story, the better you are to motivate the audience.  Remember that stories do matter, and when you are authentic and vulnerable, your audience will trust you.  Your struggles, your wins or challenges may be personal, but may speakers find a lot of power in sharing their story.  Share the stories of your own life and career that shaped you and led you to that moment of sharing. Lastly, remember people take mental notes or written notes during a speech.  Identify the main notes you want them to take away—no more than three.  Use those three points to reflect the answers to the first actions listed above. 
It also helps to practice, practice, practice!  Be thoughtful, honest and share your stories.  When you are the audience will carry you with them.  Good luck on your next speech!