You can also speak for ear by using common words rather than jargon or technical words. Step back from your speech, after writing it, and ask yourself if you use words that a child will understand.

We also want vivid words, words that fire up our imagination, that paint new images on canvases of readers' minds. Descriptive words that convey action and emotion, words that drive ideas into our heads.

Use active verbs and not passive verbs. Banish words like 'is', and 'are'. Also, check for word 'being' and rewrite to get rid of it. Bring in verbs that do something.

Now that you've got words you want, put them into short sentences. One short sentence. Followed by another short sentence. But, every once in while add a longer sentence for variety and to reduce chances of boring your audience. And, keep ideas simple within those long sentences.

I'm biased, I know. After spending better part of a decade writing and reading radio news copy, I think it's a good idea to write for ear.

Try it for yourself. Write something, read it out loud, and ask yourself about effect it's likely to have on readers. Re-write as necessary, and read it aloud again. Repeat process a few times. By time you finish you should have a well-crafted piece of writing, even if no one ever reads it aloud or hears it spoken.

Robert F. Abbott writes and publishes Abbott's Communication Letter. Each week subscribers receive, at no charge, a new communication tip that helps them lead or manage more effectively. Click here for more information: http://www.CommunicationNewsletter.com

7. For those of you who are more theatrical, open with some role-playing that relates to a specific message. Get your ideas from your own life or TV sitcoms.

8. Use analogies. They help your audience understand new ideas and situations by showing how these things are similar to something in their own lives. For instance, our lives will never be same again because of September 11. The message: Life is impermanent and change is constant.

9. Be there fully for your audience. Although you have prepared your script, be in moment. When you do this, you can adjust your presentation to meet mood and energy of group.

10. Risk being fully who you are. Be genuine. Display your enthusiasm for your audience. Have courage to talk about uncomfortable things.

11. Demonstrate candor. Tell your truth. Be vulnerable. Be ethical. Share your mishaps.

12. Involve your audience. Speakers often get their best lines from audience. Research shows that people retain more when they are involved. Have them work in pairs or small groups and share their stories and experiences.

13. Refer to people by their first names, if possible.