Have you got any idea to whom you will be talking? Research your audience, find out about their background, their values and common interests and anything else that may help you in your presentation. If, for example, you are speaking to a group of accountants then it will help if you focus your speech on data and statistics, or if you are speaking to a group of teenagers, you should know the latest fashion or in-thing so you can establish rapport and make your speech lighter and simpler. Knowing your listeners is imperative to a successful speech. It will also help you relax if you know the people who are going to listen to your presentation.

