Have plenty of water handy when you are making your presentation and don't be afraid to take a sip during the presentation whenever it's necessary to lubricate the mouth. Taking in water, is a great presentation skills tip. If you get the opportunity, pay a visit to the bathroom before you speak - you don't want to get caught out during the presentation. Always start your presentation with something that's going to get the audience's attention. This should be done within the first half minute. It doesn't matter what it is - it can be something shocking or even a story about yourself. For example "I am one of the few people to have survived a mid-air collision between two jet aircraft" will almost certainly get any audience's attention, especially if it is true and you can elaborate further. Courses on presentation skills in SA can teach you many more techniques. Another way to get their attention is to ask them a question. Like "What do you think about the Dalai Llama being refused entry into South Africa?" It doesn't matter which way you get their attention, as long as you do so you can be assured of a successful talk. When you're standing on a stage before an audience by yourself you will probably start of by being nervous - that is only natural since public speaking is more feared than even death. Presentation skill courses in SA are a must!