Always consider your audience and intention. Do something unexpected like inserting a white board or flip chart. Engage the audience with questions or break-out exercises. Include your perspective or experience and don't be afraid of showing emotion. Disregard the norm and find your own way.

Beethoven and Mozart employed themes, or repeatable musical phrases in many of their compositions. The same technique can benefit speakers. Themes represent the whole idea of a talk, and orient an audience. Although usually suggested in the opening, a great theme can be employed anywhere within a presentation.

President Reagan was famous for the Russian proverb "Trust, but verify." We need to champion inventors and visionaries, but not base critical decisions on their presentation skills alone.

The moral of the tale is to speak truthfully, while employing passion, vision and commitment. As a listener, develop critical acumen so that you never mistake smoke for fire.

By incorporating different elements and strategies, you will keep yourself and the audience from getting bored. Sameness or uniformity is deadly. Variety is supreme.

First impressions are critical. Customize your intro for the audience. And make it count.

Do you ramble on, without purpose and unaware of your listener's interest? Do you fail to recognize cues that others would like to join the conversation? Are you truly paying attention, without being distracted by various devices or screens?

Speakers are often unaware of what can pull focus from their face, voice and message. Culprits include index cards, glasses, or props.

Your commitment and enthusiasm will positively affect others, and your attention to detail will bring much-appreciated clarity. Never tamp down your enjoyment for your topic. Your upbeat behavior, blended with strong speaking skills is a highly influential package.

To make sure your audience pays attention, use a variety of openings, closes, and stories during your presentations.