Rhetorical devices and flourishes play a big role in increasing impact and helping us remember what’s been said, and President Obama is a master at using them. Learn advanced–yet simple–speaking techniques likes anaphora, anapest, and chiasmus by breaking down last night’s State of the Union address (don’t worry, we’ll explain).

Preparation is where most people go wrong with public speaking. It is the biggest obstacle by far, and the most tedious and difficult part of the journey to becoming great at speaking and presenting. But it’s also the most necessary component of the process, so don’t ignore it.

Public speaking can shake the confidence of even the most experienced professional. Though it’s natural to feel nervous, there are ways to frame your thinking that can help you manage stage fright. Here are three principles to keep in mind before your palms begin to sweat and your voice starts to quiver.

When you’re as smart and successful as Mark Zuckerberg, do you really need to become a super-polished speaker, too? Probably not. The rest of us, however, can’t afford to be average, and here’s why.

Did you know it can take much longer to prepare a short presentation–I’m talking about something really tiny–than, say, a 30 or 40 minute or even 1 hour version?

Steve Jobs received a standing ovation at the event pitching Apple’s new iPad. People were happy to see him, of course, especially because he is in the midst of a significant and indefinite medical leave. But people also have come to expect the type of presentation that it seems only he can deliver. It’s a phenomenon.

When you’re trying to persuade people to take action, identify a simple, powerful message and return to it as many times, and as emotionally, as you possibly can.

Gosh, I wish I’d seen Adam Lambert’s performance at the American Music Awards. Instead, I woke up to an uproar — faces in crotches, girls on leashes, big, fat, same-sex kisses! Oh my.

Is Obama’s ability to deliver a speech a gift, or is it something that anyone can do?

There are few things that can catapult you to the top of your profession the way delivering a good speech can.