Even if dress code is casual, there is a world of difference between dirty jeans and a crumpled T-shirt, and freshly laundered casual trousers and a polo shirt. Remember - dress to respect yourself and you automatically respect your audience.

4. Hands. Your hands are like semaphore flags. They send a message whatever position they are in.

Take a look at prominent politicians - they almost all use their hands to reinforce their words. Whether it is a chopping motion, like John F. Kennedy, or an open handed gesture like English Prime Minister Blair, they are all intended to send visual signals directly to right-brain of listener to augment words which normally address left-brain.

One of things I am asked most often when teaching presentation skills is 'what do I do with my hands?'

The easy answer 'just be natural' is not only unhelpful, but also completely wrong. You have to think of your hands and arms as every bit as important as charts and slides you are presenting.

There are five places your hands can comfortably be:

* In your pockets. Don't do it! It might feel natural, but signal this gives is anything but. You will look uncomfortable, casual and unsure of yourself.

* Clasped behind your back. This looks aloof and superior, and should be avoided.

* Relaxed, by your side. This feels very unnatural to most people, but actually looks good to audience. It makes you seem to lack tension.

* On your hips. This is a very positive position. It sends out a message that you are comfortable and self- assured. Don't overdo it. This stance is best used at moments when you stop speaking and are allowing audience a moment to absorb your message.

* Gesticulating. Learn messages that your hands convey and use them to emphasize your points: an open hand denotes honesty; a closed fist, aggression or evasion; a pointing finger, hostility. Also be aware of cultural differences. The American thumb and forefinger gesture meaning 'okay' may be insulting in Denmark.

5. Read room. You are not only one who is communicating non-verbally. Learn to recognize unconscious signals that your audience is feeding back to you.

* A tilted head and direct eye contact indicates attentive approval.

* Raised eyebrows and forward-leaning posture denotes attentive alertness.

* Indirect gaze, accompanied by pen or finger biting show uncertainty.

* Folded arms can indicate hostility.

* A hand to chin show that you are being summed up.

Finally, learn constantly. Whenever you watch a presenter, try to work out why they are good or bad. Every time you make a presentation, try to detach yourself and see how you can be even better next time.

And remember, applause doesn't always mean you are great - audience might be being polite, and gentle snoring from back of room doesn't always show that you need to work on your technique - CEO probably just had too good a lunch!

Your skill as a great organizer is tested by amount of time your business runs smoothly in your absence. If you cannot leave it for more than a week, you need to re-analyze your staff, their respective responsibilities and capabilities, as well as direction of your leadership.

In every company large or small their should be a nucleus of competent individuals who have been properly trained and can be trusted to carry out duties of their peers as well as yourself in your absence. This nucleus is your Staff. These are people that will make difference between success and failure.

Train, Trust and Utilize Your Staff to their fullest potential!

One Last Thought In Closing:

One cannot build a good staff without good leadership. One comparison of good leadership that comes to mind is Old Scottish Clan. The members of a Clan were true to their Chief and he was true to them. If even humblest member of Clan was injured or killed, Chief stepped in to avenge or rescue them. The Chief fought for his people. He held his own life in lesser value than that of welfare of his Clan. This example is of course in extreme, but moral of story is, "you must fight for your people to have them fight for you".