The Essential Components to Capture Your Audience

I've been working with people on public speaking for the last year or so as well as doing some of it on my own. I got to thinking the other day, about what makes a good speech or presentation. Of course, part of it depends on your purpose and audience, but there are a few key components that stand out.
1) Words
You need to know what you're going to say. It doesn't have to be written out, although it may be appropriate to use notes, or at least an outline. I do think, though, that you should write out what you're going to say. Even if you don't read it--having in mind what the words are that you want to use will keep you on track and give you confidence.
2) Authenticity
You need to believe in what you're speaking about and speak from the heart. If you're going to get your audience from point a to point b--you better know why you want to take them there and be able to truthfully tell them how and why.
3) Animation
This is a tough one, because not everyone is animated. It needs to be a "real" animation--one that rings true with your personality--but it might need to be more exaggerated that what you're used to. Smiling, making eye contact, pausing, making fun of yourself--these are all things that can help you to be more animated, but they don't come naturally to most of us in front of an audience. It takes practice.
4) Practice.
Let me say it again: practice. And again, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. It may feel strange, but the truth is, the only way you can be successful is with practice--real and imagined. Visualization is critical. You need to walk through your presentation in your head, repeatedly. Then, you need to get in front of a mirror, your family, the dog--whoever--and practice. The more you practice, the better you'll get.
5) Mindset.
It's not about you, it's about them. Keep in mind that it's not about what you have to tell the audience--it's about what they want/need to hear. If you shift your focus from YOU to THEM, you'll find your odds of success improve dramatically.

There's more, but that's enough for now! Having a coach can be very helpful because we can't see what we can't see. It's very hard to judge our own performance. Having someone to observe and give you constructive feedback can be immensely helpful.