I'm continuing with the idea of "speaking engagement"...not the paid-to-present kind. Rather the presentation that allows you to engage your audience fully and favorably in what you have to say.

Content is what it's all about, literally.  Here are 5 ideas to keep in mind as you work with your content.

1. Have a solid base. If your presentation is factual, be sure your info is accurate. If it's conceptual, be sure your arguments can stand the audience's tests of reason.

2. Know your stuff. Know even more than you talk about. If you know twice as much as you share, your presentation has sturdy legs to stand on.

3. Do not dump data. That's when you give too much information. It's when the information clumps don't build on one another. It may even be both. When it comes to presenting information, always go for quality over quantity.

4. Speak simply. Too much jargon, too many acronyms, too long sentences. Too much of any of that and your audience is not likely to carry away much of your meaning. Meaning is what matters.

5. Go with a flow. Once you've outlined your content (more on this critical skill tomorrow!), step back and look objectively at the outline itself. Is there a logical flow? Do points build to the conclusion you want your audience to share?

What you say is always more important than how you say it. Be willing -- even eager -- to give some time to preparing that content.