[stephc_int13]

The first thing is to assess and understand context. - Who is your audience? - Are they friendly or hostile? - Try to picture what they expect you'll say

A bit of mental preparation is needed.

Don't be afraid to look at people directly, it is easier to feel what they think this way.

If you're using humor (rarely a bad idea) do not laugh at your own jokes, deadpan humor is much more effective.

[stephc_int13]

Also, the best way of being confident about something is to own your subject, do you homework, be an expert, do not speak if you don't know.

Being a parrot rarely works.

[smilebot]

Reminds me of this skit from Portlandia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX0IDdJMxko.

[stephc_int13]

Yep, very nice illustration.

And deliciously cringe inducing!