a useful mindset for speech-giving (that might serve you well elsewhere)

You are offering something. Your speaking is an act of generosity. 

You are inviting people to participate, even briefly, in a story of what is and what may be. People love stories and need them. How kind of you!

You are participating in a tradition that is much bigger and more important than you and how well or poorly you do this thing or how good you look or sound doing it. What you’re doing really matters; the fact that it’s you doing it, not as much.

I like to think of public speaking in these ways instead of thinking “I am performing” because when I’m performing I’m worried about how I look and sound; I lose empathy for my audience and awareness of my context. I’m thinking about myself instead of responding to the room and the people.

It is useful to record yourself - voice memo or video - and play it back so you can tweak your delivery. 

-Eric