It doesn't seem to matter how well some folks know their subject, they still feel that writing down their thoughts ahead of time into a coherent message that an audience will appreciate is just too hard. Or maybe they just don't want to put in the time or effort.
What's the big deal about writing a speech? The truth is it's a skill you've been learning since you first went to school, even if you never took a speech class.
Have you heard the expression, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it"?
Many people who are reluctant to get up and speak fear the audience won't listen to them. They believe they're not witty, they can't tell a joke, and if they're not funny, nobody will pay attention. They believe they don't know enough about the subject and the audience will sense it and tune them out. Or worse, they fear the audience knows more about the topic than they do and will be sitting in judgment and finding them wanting.
All of these beliefs are false.
The secret to giving a speech worth listening to is not difficult or complicated. Simply ask yourself this question: "What is the great benefit the audience will receive from spending this time with me?"