You can, of course, usefully apply these checks to any major purchase or project for change, not just to software.

The key to it all is guideline number 5 above. If you properly consider entire life of a project from start to finish you will inevitably take into account other vital aspects.

Unfortunately in so many cases longer term elements get swept aside and ignored. Serious consideration stops at point of implementation. Too often man in charge of early stages of a project does not have to take responsibility for later consequences. So make sure that isn’t case in your company.

In conclusion: Be wise before event. Be aware of consequences. Think of long term. Don’t be held to ransom.

Do not use ethnic, racist, political or religious jokes. Include a joke that helps bring back attention of audience or as a way to lighten up your remarks. We all can use a good laugh from a well timed, funny joke.

5. Self effacing humor- it is better to admit you made a mistake than to admit that you are one. One of my lines as a mother of five is: For someone who isn’t Catholic, I sure did my share for pope! Phyllis Diller is in Guinness Book of World Records as having most laughs per minute. A laugh is measured by:

5 points if everyone is laughing and applauding 4 points if everyone is laughing and there's a smattering of applause 3 points if everyone laughs but there's no applause 2 points if some people are laughing 1 point for a titter or giggle

6.Mime- Marcel Marceau makes us laugh and moves us. Charlie Chaplin was an all time great without using spoken word.

7.Move Your Body Try lifting your nose, look off to side, jut out bottom of your jaw, and notice how you become arrogant or aloof, Take a wide stance, shift your hips forward, and now you’ve just gained 50 pounds. The use of body movements will help to visually enhance your remarks.

8.Repetitive oral recitation- (repeat after me, Remember, if you can see funny, you can be funny. Repeat a particular sentence throughout your presentation to encourage audience retention.

9. Use taped music for a stretch break. Get audience to sing a funny song. Pass out words to a song. Lighten up your attendees have some fun and your audience retention will increase. Don’t be afraid to be theatrical or silly. It’s why we pay actors big bucks; and your audiences won’t forget you. Be outrageous. It’s only place that isn’t crowded.

10. Group exercise a fun way to conclude your presentation is to use a group exercise. Use football huddle to get group to repeat a cheer or an affirmation to take some action.

Join a fre*e Teleclass to learn how to speak like a pro on June 30, 2004 from 8-9 p.m. (EST) http://www.schrift.com eleclasses/index.htm