Using quotations during public speaking assignments is an excellent way to improve your credibility and capture the attention and trust of your audience. Whether used as an effective way to introduce or end a speech, lend support to your arguments, or just to make your audience laugh, public speaking quotes are one of the great secret weapons of any experienced presenter.

The sky is the limit when it comes to using quotes. You can quote a specific thing someone has said or written, or you can quote a story about someone or something. You can even quote something you yourself have done, said or written, or tell a story that recounts your own personal experience.

Presuming you want to quote other people, where do you find suitable quotes that you can use for public speaking assignments?

If you do a search in Google on the Internet you will find millions of resources with billions of quotations. The important thing though is that the quote should mean something to you and should be relevant to whatever it is you are talking about. So narrow your search to make it relevant to your speech. For example, if you are going to be talking to your sales staff about newly implemented sales targets, you might do a search for quotes + salesmen + winners. Or you could search for success stories in your particular field of business. Look for someone who has excelled in the field, and then search for quotes + that person’s name.

Alternatively, find books that cover the topic you are going to talk about. Not only will you increase your knowledge of the subject, but you are also very likely to find some little gems that you can quote.

You can, of course, look for specific quotes when you are compiling a speech, but if you do – or plan to do – quite a lot of public speaking, why not start your own collection of quotes?

When you read something you like, write it down. If someone says something that appeals to you, write it down. Also remember to write down the name of the original author or person that said what you liked. Of course, it is common decency to acknowledge where sayings and stories come from. But what’s more, very often when you quote someone else in your speech–particularly someone perceived as an authority by your audience — you subconsciously elevate your own authority in their minds, by linking your words with those of a famous or respected figure.

When you get to the point of using a quote, make sure that you do not misquote anyone. While reading a speech is not recommended, it is a good idea to write down quotes, so you can glance at them and make sure that you get them right.

Finally, remember that using quotes in your speech is simply another support to get your message across. The clearer you are about what you want to say, and the more enthusiasm you have for it, the more your words — or the words of others that you borrow — will penetrate the minds of your listeners. As John Ford astutely observed, “You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.”

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Tim Ackerman is an author and public speaking enthusiast whose mission is to help people enrich their lives through more skillful communication. Check out his website at http://www.publicspeakinginsider.com for more info on using public speaking quotes, and a FREE email mini-course on effective public speaking.

Every year, I challenge myself on my birthday by doing consecutive push-ups to match the birthday I’m celebrating. As you can imagine, the task becomes more difficult every year. Last year, I felt fortunate to have eeked out the 38th push-up.

This year, on my 39th birthday, I realized there was a chance I might not be able to meet the challenge, so I decided to pump out 39 of something else. With that in mind, I did some reflecting and compiled a list of 39 things I’ve learned about public speaking.

1. You’re never good enough not to to practice.

2. Public speaking is both a science and an art. Approach it strictly from either point of view and you and you won’t be as successful as you could be.

3. All things being equal, written speeches are better and more successful than extemporaneous speeches.

4. No height of reasoning or depth of wisdom is strong enough to educate a mind that refuses to learn.

5. Every audience and individual is unique. What works for one won’t necessarily work for another.

6. There is no “best way” to start every speech. Each speech is as unique as the audience. Every opening should also be unique.

7. Gestures are overrated. They can’t add substance to a message that lacks substance.

8. Even the right words can lose their effect if they’re not delivered with the right timing.

9. Even if your audience disagrees with your position on a subject, they want your speech to be good. After all, they have to sit through it.

10. When put to the test, most statistics about public speaking are a crock.

11. What our audience remembers most is what resonates with them most.

12. The setup of your room affects the flow of energy in the room.

13. Recording yourself on video is the best way to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.

14. Memorizing your material and knowing your material are not the same thing.

15. Sometimes public speaking should be treated as a performance. At other times, public speaking should be treated as a conversation. On occasion, it should be treated as both.

16. Always research your audience as thoroughly as possible… always!

17. Reading the book of Proverbs is a great way to train your mind to come up with analogies that easily explain complicated concepts.

18. Age means squat when it comes to your effectiveness as a public speaker. Martin Luther King Jr. was only 34 when he delivered the “I have a dream” speech.

19. It’s okay to say “um” every now and again. People expect it. “Um” becomes a problem when it is used in a pattern the audience begins to anticipate and predict with 99% accuracy.

20. One of the easiest ways to improve your ability to develop a successful speech is to read and listen to successful speeches of the past and present.

21. When you truly connect with your audience, you will be able to feel and experience their energy.

22. Public speaking is not a monarchy and content is not king. Content alone is not enough to persuade people and move them to take action.

23. What you say AND how you say it are of equal importance.

24. Authentic story telling is easy to learn. Just read story books to children.

25. If your presentation relies heavily on technology, be sure to have a plan B.

26. If you’re using PowerPoint or props, rehearse with them.

27. Knowing your subject is important. Explaining your subject in a way that’s easy to understand and memorable is more important.

28. Your speech is successful if your audience remembers, repeats and responds to it… not if you get a standing ovation.

29. The worst times to speak are just before and just after a meal. The audience is too hungry to concentrate just before and too full (or tipsy) to concentrate after.

30. Asking questions is an effective way to engage the minds of the individuals in your audience.

31. When you tell a story, debrief it. Not everyone will interpret your story the same way.

32. Before using a statistic in your speech, research the statistic yourself. There are a lot of myths disguised as statistics.

33. Always put statistics in context. Explain what the statistic means and why the audience should care.

34. If you must tell a joke, use an original one. Few things are as deflating as having people in the audience deliver the punch line before you do.

35. Don’t use a $20 word when a 5 cent word will do the trick. When it comes to word choice, simpler is usually better.

36. Use repetition in your speeches. It will reinforce your main message and make it easier for the audience to follow your train of thought.

37. If you’re going to be introduced, write your own opening. Never trust someone else to do it for you.

38. Even excellent presenters have “off” days. Get over it and move on.

39. Your audience won’t shut you off as quickly as they will a show on television. They can watch the show in their pajamas, but they get dressed up and travel to hear you speak.

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If you would like to take your speeches to another level and learn more public speaking tips, I suggest you download a free copy of my “Successful Speeches Toolkit” so you can make sure your next speech is a successful speech. Visit http://www.wellwrittenwellsaid.com/successfulspeechesblog/?page_id=10 to get your workbook and search tool.

John Watkis is a freelance speechwriter, consultant and keynote speaker who helps his clients give better speeches so they can get better results.

We talk a lot about organizing our content, main points, opening and closing, but we rarely talk about how to get from one segment to the next.

How do you handle the spaces in between your points, stories, examples, and exercises? These are your transitions.

It’s as important to plan your transitions as it is to plan the rest of your presentation. Clear transitions help the audience stay focused (and awake) and process your material. They’re like links in a chain that keep your presentation cohesive and organized.

Here are ten ways to transition from one idea to the next.

1. Repeat and recap the main point you just covered.

2. Use humor or tell a joke that closes your previous point.

3. Show a slide or give a handout that gets the audience thinking about your next segment.

4. Ask a question that previews the next segment and write the answers on a flip chart.

5. Ask a question that gets the audience to respond to or summarize their learning from the last segment and write the answers on a flip chart.

6. Have the audience stand up and stretch.

7. Share a quote or story that summarizes your previous point or leads to the next one.

8. Use a logical chronology of points, or numbered points, so that transitions are clear (your talk goes from biggest to smallest, longest to shortest, outside to inside, general to specific, 1960 to 1980, etc.).

9. Pause or take a drink of water before moving to the next point.

10. Physically move to a different part of the room or stage.

Incorporate clear transitions into your presentation and your audience will never be confused about what comes next or how you’re going to get there!

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Lisa Braithwaite works with individuals to uncover their challenges and build their strengths in presenting themselves confidently as speakers. Find your voice with public speaking coaching! Sign up for the Presentation Pointers newsletter or a free consultation at http://www.coachlisab.com. And check out the Speak Schmeak blog.

Not your performance, their performance. The audience must go out and apply the information you have given or they wasted their time. Even worse, YOU wasted their time. As speakers it’s our obligation to supply practical methods for the crowd to make our words and ideas reality in their lives.

1. Design an Easy to Remember Outline.

Some people will take notes, others will not. Create your presentation so that the main points are unforgettable. You’ll need to limit those points to five or less and tie them directly to the purpose of your talk. (This is covered thoroughly in the Instant Speaking Success System.)

2. Furnish Handouts When Appropriate.

When the setting allows use handouts that let the audience follow along. Some feel that fill in the blank type handouts are elementary. That’s possible for elite business meetings. The average audience member likes handouts because they feel involved in the message.

3. Provide Leave Behinds.

Set up a table in the back of the room with extra materials that will help people apply the message. This can be a sheet with all your major points and sayings. A couple of pages that pinpoint some specific ways to take the talk to a higher level. Books and tapes that encourage deeper development. Make sure your contact information is on all resources, so you can be called for questions or future engagements.

4. Brainstorm Ideas.

In smaller crowds you may be able to interact with the audience and create ideas on the spot. Say, “Before we leave it’s critical that we come up with five ways to make the information real in our daily lives. Let’s quickly brainstorm five ways to take this information and use it for transformation.”

5. Challenge the Group as You Close.

One of the easiest ways to foster application is to tell the crowd exactly what to do. “Before you walk out of this room you need to commit to one of the following ways to apply this message. Write down the next fours concepts. After you finish writing them down, circle one or two that you will begin working on tonight.”

6. Encourage Follow Up.

Ask the people to write you their success stories after they have applied the information. This will do two things. First it will allow the individual and you to see how powerful the principles are that you present. Second, the letter can be used as a testimonial. There is nothing more powerful in your marketing arsenal than a letter that tells the story of a changed life.

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Public speakers have a tremendous responsibility to deliver their presentations effectively, with confidence and conviction. In order to deliver a successful presentation, the speaker needs to polish their presentation skills. Discovering strategy and tips to deliver your presentations will greatly enhance your presentation skills.

1.    Know the Purpose. Know why you have been asked to speak. What is the objective of the event? Be clear on the purpose before you prepare your presentation. Your presentation will be a lot more effective when you understand why your message is significant to the event or group.

2.    Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. A great presentation is not just going to fall out of the sky and proceed out of a speaker’s mouth. A speaker has to plan, prepare, research and practice their presentation. I like to stand in front of the mirror when I am preparing for a presentation. I want to see what natural or unnatural movements I might be making. I want to check my stance, my facial expressions and so on. Public speaking is a skill that has to be honed. The more the speaker presents, the better the presentation will become.

3.   Study. Take a look at very successful speakers. What is it about their style or technique that stands out or has an impact on you? How are they able to capture the attention of their audiences? Develop some of those successful presentation skills and tweak them to fit your unique style of presenting.

4.    Tell a story. Everyone has a story to tell. People love to hear stories they can either relate to or understand. Stories not only add to the impact of the presentation but will help the audience remember your message and hopefully you. Telling a personal story in your presentation helps you personalize the topic.

5.   Finish strong. End your presentation on a high note. Your closing should be as impactful as the start of your presentation. What do you want the audience to do? Is there a call of action? Avoid just ending your presentation with just, “Thank you for your time.” End with something positive and strong.

There are so many strategies to delivering your presentations with purpose and passion. Taking the time to hone your skills will help you communicate effectively so your audiences will actually listen, understand and act on your message.

If you are looking for a network to join, check out Speakers Network at http://www.gwenthibeaux.com/about-speakers-network for more information.