So the boss just told you that you've got to present the project plan to the executive committee. Or maybe you're delivering yet another sermon where you wonder why the congregation seems dead as a coffin nail while you stand before them. How can you overcome your fears and deliver information verbally that will connect with your audience?

In my opinion, whether it's a 20 minute presentation at work or a 45 minute sermon, I consider these to be speeches. Anytime you are going to be talking to a small or large group, uninterrupted for at least 20 to 30 minutes, it's a speech to me.

For the past three years, I've been writing speeches and presentations for a CEO of a Fortune 100 company. I've also given speeches myself, to dozens and thousands. There are certainly plenty of books on speeches, such as The Lost Art of the Great Speech.

Here's a short version of the tips and keys that I've found successful that you can read in one sitting and apply immediately:

1. The Introduction is Key. I find that a lot of people, especially pastors and preachers, overlook the introduction. I guess they are so eager to get to the material that they just dive right in, with maybe a nod to the person introducing them or a thanks at how great the choir was! But the first 15 minutes is probably the only time you can be guaranteed that the audience is listening.

Some people use the introduction to "tell them what you are going to talk about" and that's okay but if you really want to hit a home run, then carefully use the introduction to set the stage and give a powerful opening to your message.

Start with a story or illustration that is interesting or colorful and that links to what your message is. Recently, I spoke at halftime of a youth basketball game at church. I needed a good opening that not only was related to sports but also connected with my message. It took days for me to come up with the opening I used, which was about the playground basketball game "H-O-R-S-E" which connected to my message that a health issue had put my life in jeopardy and I was "on the letter S" and could die.

2. Main Message in Simple Points. Can you list your main message in quick, easy-to-grasp points that could be delivered while you ride up an elevator from the first to the 10th floor? If not, your audience probably won't be able to get it. Sometimes, I see speakers ramble on and on and I'm not sure if they've moved on to their next point or if they are still on the same point! Keep it simple and reduce it to a handful of key points that are easy to write on a napkin -- or church bulletin!

3. Spice it Up! I know -- your passionate about your topic and you want to get right to the main items and discuss at length. But if you don't use stories, humor, and allow yourself to detour a bit from your notes, then your speech or presentation might as well be mailed to me! Be human! Tell stories about your life or tell stories from other people's lives. Use song lyrics. Bring people in by making yourself human. When we see that you are like us, we will be more receptive to your message.

4. Ditch PowerPoint. Please. PowerPoint is a crutch that rarely helps the audience. If you follow the points above, you don't need to put your text on a screen. You will be so engaging that we will pay attention to you instead of the screen!

5. Tell Stories. This is probably the most helpful item you can use. People want to hear stories. That's why we buy novels and go see movies. Do the same in your speech, sermon or presentation. If you don't have interesting life stories, then get illustrations from biographies or movies. Stories draw people in and have been effective for thousands of years.

6. Action at the End. So exactly what is it that you want me to do with your message? Do you need me to make a decision? Was this information designed to change my behavior? Whatever it is, let me know. Don't assume that what is important to you is important to me.

Tell me what you want me to do with this information. There's the old adage of, "tell them what you are going to talk about, tell them about it, and tell them what you just told them." That's okay if you want to be average. Better yet, wrap it up with another story and tell me what you want me to do with this information.

Of course you need to know your audience. What are they interested in? What concerns them? What vocabulary do they use? Don't think your speech or presentation is about you -- it's about the audience. Are your stories things they can relate to? Think like they think when you are assembling your information and stories.

Finally, you better rehearse your speech or presentation to get the timing right. Many people are nervous when speaking in front of others and they rush through with too much time left at at the end. Take your time and don't be afraid to pause a bit as you speak.

And don't forget to have some fun! This is one of the rare times where people are really required to be quiet and listen to you and you have their full attention so take advantage of it and slow down while you present your information.