(Business 2.0) – Let's be blunt: in the hands of most executives, the Gettysburg Address would sound about as inspiring as a laundry list. But don't take it personally. Dozens of land mines await even the best-prepared speaker: nervous twitches, bad or misplaced humor, sleepy post-lunch audiences. Of course, if you know what you're doing, you can sidestep common traps and orate like a regular Huey Long. Here are six rules to make sure you connect with your listeners and leave them wanting more. --JEFF WUORIO

Don't go too high or too low. From your belt to your eyes is what some speech gurus call the "power space"--where you can make the most persuasive facial and hand gestures. Manic Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is the lone exception to this rule.

Talk to the people, not the slides. PowerPoint is handy, but can easily become a crutch. Know your material well enough that an occasional quick glance will tell you what's on the screen. Then turn your attention back to the bodies in the seats.

Avoid the subconscious wobble. Many speakers rock back and forth from one foot to another--a habit that distracts some listeners and makes others drowsy. Nail your feet to the floor if you have to--or walk a few steps, stop to make a point, and return.

Show them some skin. Gesturing to the audience with an open palm is a great way to establish a connection or to punch up your rhetoric--imagine you're serving up your words like hors d'oeuvres. Just don't point, which can come off as condescending.

Don't try to be a comedian. A little self-deprecating humor will help you connect with listeners. But jokes run the risk of alienating a portion of the audience and can make you look like a jester rather than an authority.

Embrace your discomfort. You sweat like Al Gore? Stutter occasionally? Acknowledge it quickly, before it happens--for example, bring tissues and mention your need to mop your brow. It'll put you more at ease and subtly encourage your listeners to root for you.