Talk about why the subject is important to you, how you feel about the finished piece, what inspired it, what you learned along the way. Show up as a human. It’s far more interesting, and your passion and connection is much more inviting to hear. Leave the superlatives to other people - and don’t be afraid to quote them.

I know that public speaking scares me, and that I love it. My tried and true ritual: Before I begin, I take a moment to look around and smile at the audience. I identify someone who looks particularly engaged, and keep going back to them throughout my speech.