Tripp Frohlichstein is a speech trainer and he has an excellent set of tips on his website.
For example, he starts with this tip.
“When accepting a speech ask:
- Why are you invited?
- Why is this group assembled?
- How many people will be there?
- Where is the speech to be delivered (gym, theater, restaurant, large or small room)?
- How much time do you have?”
It’s so much easier to prepare if you know what you are preparing for!