As professionals, superintendents communicate with diverse audiences and speak at various functions. Whether it’s an informal budget report to your employer or the green committee, a program presented at a chapter meeting or GCSAA student chapter group, or a formal presentation to a community organization, public speaking is an important professional skill.

Like any other professional skill, these skills are learned and perfected through experience and practice -- not many people are born gifted public speakers. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of delivering a presentation, from how to organize it, to using your body language to drive home your message.

Basic tips offered in the guide:

• Observe good speakers and model their techniques
• Strengthen your vocabulary by reading good literature
• Read a variety of periodicals (news, science) to keep abreast of current events
• Utilize the dictionary and thesaurus
• Practice, practice, practice
• Practice writing to help organize your thoughts
• Rehearse in front of a practice audience or a video recorder
• Speak at every available opportunity