The art of public speaking is one of the most important and powerful of arts. Wendell Philips used to say “give me time, let me talk and I will conquer the universe.” Similarly, Abrahm Lincoln said, “oratory is the great power that moves nations to do and dare.”

Generally people say that great orators, like poets and other fine artists, are born and not made. The statement is partly true because a powerful and well-modulated voice is divine gift. The majority consist of those who are less favoured by almighty. The only way for them, if they are firm in their determination, is to make a patient study and intelligent practice of his art.
A successful orator should have a thorough knowledge of the entire subject. He must be a man of as Lord Riddle says “knowledge, experience and imagination.” An orator must not only have a rich store house of general information and a lively command over expression or language, but also an intimate understanding of human emotions, and an insight of human psychology. A successful orator is one who has a trained voice and a flexible body, capable of being conveniently employed for the enforcement or illustration of a given idea, emotion or passion. Training in gestures is an important qualification of a successful speaker. He must be a man of high ideals, using his power for noble purposes. Preparation is the keynote of great oratory. Years of toil and failure go into the making of good orator.
When one delivers one’s maiden speech, one is bound to feel nervous, shy and excited. The job appears to be very difficult and the voice breaks, the face turns pale. Altogether, one feels out of ones depth. Next time when one is called upon to address an audience, one finds one’s terror changing into confidence, and one’s tongue more eloquent than before. Perfection in public speaking is attained only by patient study and continued speaking practice.