Some Good Ideas

1. Try not to over-stretch yourself or be too ambitious at this point. By speaking on a familiar subject you will be more at ease and so will your audience.
2. Timing is important (use a kitchen timer or video clock). Rehearsal will show you whether extra words need to be cut out. For rehearsal too, consider using that tape recorder mentioned earlier. It is a valuable tool both now in your early speeches and later on when you have more experience. It will allow you to be your own critic, hearing the worst as well as the best, so you can edit your speech to good effect, keeping the interest and cutting out the deadwood.
3. Be as natural as possible. Words that come from the heart invariably carry conviction. Don't worry about those 'nerves' - even experienced speakers suffer them - it's part of the adrenaline of speaking in public. Finally with a well-prepared and well-rehearsed speech, your triumph will come at the end. When you sit down after delivering your first speech you will almost certainly feel a great sense of achievement.

You've done it!

They liked it!

You have made a start as a speaker!