Are you good at public speaking?

In high school I could barely read a set of note cards for 3 minutes in front of a class. Then in college, my major forced me to do a lot of presentations. So I went from there to being able to do hour long presentations with only a few bullet points as notes.

As for my job, I have to do trade shows and presentations for customers in groups of anywhere from 5-30+ all the time.

I'm a bit out of practice, but used to do it all the time. I believe I was very good at it when I did it on a regular basis. Not sure if I would be now, or not.

Yes. Mainly because both my parents were avid Toastmasters members and gave me and my siblings opportunities to speak publicly at early ages. My mom actually speaks semi-professionally.

I actually kind of enjoy it. The better you know your subject matter and your audience, the smoother everything goes.

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I've been trying to use my hands more when I speak.

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Because careful with this. Too many "empty" gestures become distracting in a hurry, and can develop into a crutch for you as a speaker. Try to keep it as natural as possible.

Also, the less "on script" you try to be, the less trepidation you'll feel (at least in my experience).

Video yourself

No. It's one of my biggest fears.

I have done a lot of public seminars over the past 15 years. I am always nervous when I do them until I get to rolling

I have found that with the subjects I talk about, I am better off not having a real outline. Just a starting point, bullet points and a ending. Then just going off my head

I did it for a living during my career. Toastmasters is a great way to get good quickly if you didn't have speech classes in school.

Essentials for being a good speaker from my experiences:

1. Know your stuff. Nothing is less interesting that a speaker who mumbles, hesitates and continually corrects himself.

2. Dress nicely. Don't compete with your subject matter by wearing anything unusual, unless it's part of the program.

3. Speak more slowly than you might in a one-on-one conversation, and more clearly. Project. You're speaking to a group in which people are used to different styles but slow and clear is universally acceptable.

4. Aids are great. A PowerPoint presentation is made far better if you use a laser pointer, for example. Again, a variety of people includes those who might have difficulty following along.

4a. More aids. Have attention keepers as part of your presentation. Vary your delivery if you see people's eyes glazing over. Even a long pause can do the trick. Have videos and audios if possible. They must be short, though, so that they don't dominate your presentation. They should compliment, not compete with, you as the main focus.

5. Don't get get bogged down in details. Have materials or websites that the audience members can go to for further info if they're interested. Short and interesting is the goal for any subject. Unfortunately, long and boring seems to be the standard.

6. Will there be a question and answer period? If so, announce it at the beginning and enforce it throughout the presentation. There are plenty of know-it-alls who will try to take over. Don't let them.

There are lots of other tips that make for an interesting presentation. Again, Toastmasters is a great place to start and continue.

It's a good feeling when you connect with your audience and impart the message you intended. Enjoy.

It's kinda 50/50. Best thing is to not let nerves take over it.