ick... yeh speeches can relly be nerve-wracking... its okay to feel nervous, but i guess some tips for a good speech:
- number your palm cards. (trust me, you dont want to be called up and then realise u've got them all in the wrong order. as well as wasting time u just get even more freaked out)
- put in a short joke or a real short anecdote at the very beginning. if u can get a laugh, then you'll feel better (plus you'll get bonus points for audience interaction). and dont worry even if its not that funny - everyone else will be nervous as well and laugh at pretty much anything (reasonable)
- keep eye contact with ppl, and make sure u include everyone. (ie dont just look at one person)
- if u feel uncomfortable using hand gestures, then DONT. u just look retarded flapping ur hands about uselessly. its possible to do a good speech without using hand gestures.
- practise practise practise... it sounds obvious, but it makes such a difference. u feel much more confident with a speech you've practised and gone through, plus if u know it fairly well then u dont have to keep reading evry word off the cards.
good luck!