I hit several conferences over the course of a few weeks this year, not just as an attendee but also as a presenter and event support staff. It was a great chance to see how event planners and speakers can make each other’s lives easier.

Part of presenting is being fully prepared. This means beyond your speech and Power Point slides. Do a little research on your audience - and your room - before you present.

One of the best things I can tell you is to control any damage - bulldozers, rambling topics (by you) or rambling questions (from the audience) - up top. I call this “Set Your Stage.”

Here are the books and online resources I recommend most often to clients, especially professional women. Amy Cuddy image via TED.com.

Do you see public speaking as a foreboding peak you can barely get over? Or something you can give some space to and maybe even enjoy?

“How do I stop saying ‘um’?” I get this question all the time. Good news: Start with some self-awareness. That’s half the battle!