You're getting ready to write a speech for an important occasion. Maybe it's a presentation for your company. Perhaps it's the toast at a wedding, a bon voyage send-off to someone who's retiring, or a memorial speech for someone you loved. When you sit down to write the speech, you stare at the white page while a million jumbled thoughts run through your head. Or worse, you can't think of a thing to say. You have a bunch of vague feelings about how you'd like your speech to sound, but you're totally confused when you try to find the words to begin.

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       How many times have you been to a meeting or event where the M.C., quite possibly a very bright, capable person and an excellent speaker, has used humor to outline the program for the evening, sounded totally experienced and professional in front of the room and then, to get the ball rolling, said, "So, without further ado, please welcome..." and gave the next speaker's name?

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