Most of us do not speak in public, but some of us give speeches or presentations at work.  

All of us, at one time or another, have experienced glossophobia (the fear of public speaking).  Mark Twain said there are only two kinds of speakers in the world--those that are nervous and those that are liars. 

Any fears are easily allayed by learning and practicing how to effectively use your voice and body in communication.

The same communication principles rules and techniques for communication and persuasion apply to everybody.

Know your audience--who are you speaking to?

Keep it simple--avoid fancy language or jargon.

Use graphics to incorporate different learning styles.

Be concise.

Be prepared.

Under the "Materials" tab, you will see a brief discussion of what you can do with your voice--volume, inflection, pitch, enunciation, rhythm, and silence ("VIPERS") all contribute to how your communication is received.

You will also see how posture, eye contact, and gestures ("PEGS") communicate the other half of your message.

Improv techniques both improve your communication skills and enhance your day to day interactions on every level.

"Improv or Improvisation is the art of act of composing, uttering, executing or arranging anything without previous preparation"

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/improvisation

Search the internet and find all kinds of different people who have benefitted from improv techniques learned through improv games. The improv you see on television is performed by seasoned professionals, many comedians, who have worked together extensively.

But improv is not just about being funny.  It's about thinking on your feet, storytelling, working as a team, and inspiring confidence to try new things to improve in day to day interactions.  It's about being playful.

Improv play rules have a direct and practical application to everyday life.

Yes, and--gives you confidence and ability to handle any situation--say yes to the challenge and grow. 

Presence in the moment--actors and improvisers pay attention to their “now” to respond in the scene--so improv improves everyday ability to stay in the "now" and respond to life. 

Listen and react, don't plan a monologue in advance--listening in an improv scene advances the scene--listening in life and observing the speaker, the mood, rather than thinking about what you want to say, may change what you intended to say.  

Patience--if you are not listening and in the moment, you may miss an important part of the message. Commit, commit, commit--whatever it is, sell it!  Make the decision and dive into the character or the scene or the decision fully committed and without regret.  The energy that fuels your fear will be channeled to what you want to accomplish and your attitude will change. 

Make everyone else look good--build on other people's ideas and your team will have greater success. Improv allows you to face your fears--training gives you the tools to overcome those fears.

Improv allows you to face your fears--training gives you the tools to overcome those fears.

Improv is:

a good workout for your brain and thinking on your feet;

a way to empty your mind of preconceived notions about where you are and what you are doing--center yourself;

a great outlet for your creativity;

a fun social activity that lets you reclaim your childhood and play with creative and funny people--that might lower your blood pressure; and,

an exercise in trust where everyone is in it together.

FUN!!!

For other articles on how improv can help you see 

360 Degree Self

Improv Changed My Life : 10 Ways Improv Will Make YOU Awesome