At some point in our lives, many of us will have to give a talk to a large group of people. What does it take to be a highly effective public speaker? How can you improve your public speaking skills? How can you overcome a fear of speaking in public? What does it take to give a very interesting and engaging public talk?

Dr. LeAnn Brazeal, associate professor and director of public speaking in the department of communication at Missouri State University, answers these questions and more in Authority Magazine.