Public speaking can be a daunting thing. I used to get really nervous. I don’t do a whole lot of public speaking, but when I do, it isn’t nearly as intimidating as it used to be. I’d say that is primarily due to one simple piece of advice I got a long time ago.

That advice is:
Before you stand up to speak, know 40 times more than you need to know on the subject that you are speaking about.

So, if you are going to talk for 5 minutes about how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, know what the difference between crunchy and smooth peanut butter is. Know the difference between jelly, jam and preserves. Know the difference between whole grain and white bread. Know what brands of peanut butter separate and how to prevent it (you put it in the refrigerator, btw) and then know what happens to peanut butter when you put it in the refrigerator (it gets hard and doesn’t spread easily). Then be sure you think of any other aspects of making that sandwich and variations on that sandwich that you can think of. When you’re all done, you could probably speak on the various aspects of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for at least 20 minutes if not an hour. Now, when you stand up to give your 5 minute presentation not only will you not be as nervous, you’ll have so much information that you will be able to pull the high-points and easily fill the 5 minute presentation without much effort at all.