Nearly every resolutionist will have to lead a presentation before a group of colleagues or clients at some point. Delivering a good speech, however, is no easy task, even for those who do it frequently.

Careful groundwork can help reduce the risk of mishaps. Here are some tips for delivering an inspiring presentation, no matter how nervous or uncomfortable you may be:

Consider your goal and audience.
The first consideration when speaking before a group is identifying the goal you want to achieve. Are you trying to inform colleagues about new procedures, engage them in a dialogue about past experience, or persuade a potential client to try your service? Once you’ve determined your aim, craft your presentation to offer audience members a tangible set of benefits, such as how a new process can save them time or money.

Bring cue cards.
It’s wise to have index cards containing key points on hand whenever you’re asked to present. Even if you know what you want to say, your notes will serve as a backup and boost your confidence.  Be careful not to read your notes to your audience however.

Rehearse.
Even the most knowledgeable and practiced speakers need to rehearse their delivery. Unless you’re an improvisational whiz, you don’t want to wing it. Practice before a mirror or in front of someone who will give you constructive feedback. Pay attention to any distracting habits you may have, such as clearing your throat or running your fingers through your hair. You can avoid these behaviors once you’re aware of them.

Slow down and relax.
When presenting, try to maintain a moderate pace — not too quick or too slow. Start in a calm, measured way and articulate your words clearly so they are easily understood. Take natural pauses when appropriate and don’t forget to breathe. You’ll also appear more personable and relaxed if you avoid reading verbatim from a script and smile from time to time. Along the same lines, don’t use jargon or acronyms with which your audience may not be familiar — it can be both confusing and frustrating for them.

Recover when necessary.
Slip-ups happen. If you suffer a presentation snafu, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and focus on keeping your composure. Do your best to get back on track as soon as possible. If it’s a matter that could take a few minutes to resolve, such as a technical glitch or a spill, suggest a quick “intermission.”

Ask for feedback.
After you’ve presented, ask for feedback from colleagues and others whose opinion you value. Encourage them to provide constructive criticism and try to learn from their comments.

Overcoming hesitations you may have about public speaking can boost your confidence, enhance your contribution to your firm and, ultimately, help you advance your career. Keep in mind that public speaking is a skill that improves with practice — the more experience you acquire, the better you will be at it.