Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech that inspired a nation and broke down racial barriers. Without his leadership and inspirational speech it may have taken another 10 years to bring equality to all races. Hilter's numerous speeches were delivered with extreme passion and caused probably one of the most horrific genocides of all time. Throughout history, public speaking has brought people together and caused great changes, both positive and negative. Public speaking is important, both in history and in life. It is a vital skill in many disciplines. However, nowhere is it more important than education. Public speaking in education is how educators inspire, teach, and engage students. Good public speaking skills can increase self-confidence, communication skills, help demonstrate knowledge and improve public image. Public speaking usually consists of three main components including preparation, visual aids and non-verbal communication. How these three main components are demonstrated or used can make the difference between a highly influential educator who can inspire and teach students. To a class that doesn't pay attention and a teacher who fails to engage. Preparation is key to presenting a well-thought-out, impressive presentation. For an educator, preparation is vital. Preparation usually consists of the following elements: audience, research, rhetorical mix, and rehearsal. Elisabeth Gareis in Guidelines for Public Speaking expresses the importance of adapting to the audience. Gareis (2006) states that “at all times during the process of preparing and delivering a speech, we must keep in mind that we are speaking to an audience and not just to ourselves” (pp.3). For an educator it is essential to know the students and......half of the paper......n involves their students.Works CitedNash, G. (2013). Guide to university evaluation. QLD, Australia: John Wiley & Sons. Section 5 pp. 158-184. Scudder, V. (2009, October). Sound check: how to avoid presentation dangers. Public Relations Tactics Vol. 16 Problem 10. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.usc.edu.au:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=45667389&site=eds-live < , pp. 10Wright, J. (2005). The role of computer software in presenting information. Nursing Management Vol. 16 Issue 4. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.usc.edu.au:2048/docview/236935777/fulltextPDF/240876398D2C4CA3PQ/24?accountid=28745, pp. 30-34Gareis, E. (2006 ) Guidelines for Public Speaking, New York, USA: Department of Communication Studies Baruch College/CUN. Retrieved from www.baruch.cuny.edu/.../public_speaking_guidelines.pdf ¸pp. 3-4