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I have separated the process of preparing a talk into a series of stages. Review each stage in succession, at least on the first time through the tutorial.
  1. Planning
  2. Preparation
  3. Outlining
  4. Important Elements
  5. Practice
  6. Presentation
  7. The Moment of Truth
  8. Handling questions
You may access several other tutorials intended to help facilitate scientific communication at the Effective presentations page.
A colleague of mine has likened the process of developing a talk to that of preparing for a backpacking expedition. Plan ahead, review your goals, and plan for emergencies. At some point after you are fully prepared, open the backpack and remove between 1/3 to 1/2 of its contents. Then shoulder the pack and head for the hills - there will be more spring in your step, and it will be easier to recover if you stumble.

Good Luck!

Jeff Radel
Last Updated:01/23/09