Speak Up Learning to speak effectively can only boost your business.

Step one is to promote yourself as an expert in your field.Start out speaking to business and civic groups. Volunteer to speakat a conference or industry trade show, or offer free seminars. Thekey is to get experience speaking in front of groups of people.

Once you get the opportunity to speak in public, make sure youdo it well. Preparation is key. Know your audience; it helps youpersonalize your message. Don't ramble; make sure you organizeyour thoughts. And rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Practice does makeperfect.

Now sure why you should do this? Once you fine-tune your publicspeaking, you'll be better at conducting meetings, making salespresentations and negotiating with clients, suppliers andbankers.

Excerpted from Get Smart: 365 Tips To Boost Your EntrepreneurialIQ