Is someone in your life a public speaker, and does that make the gift-giving a challenge?  And have you perhaps procrastinated?  Here are 5 items no speaker should be without – as well as the public speaking justification for them.  With online buying and overnight shipping, you should still be able to get most of them under the tree on time. 

1.  An elegant leather portfolio – because you should look as cool as the President. 

With one of these, you can walk to the front of the room looking as debonair as the President of the United States giving the State of the Union Address.  Speech notes go in there, along with a back up DVD or USB drive of your slides and video, as well as that check the meeting planner gives you for a job well done.

2.  An iPad 2 loaded with speaking apps – because great speakers travel light.

I had this on last year’s list, and the apps have gotten even better, especially since you can get iMovie on an iPad 2 and create quick videos to dazzle your audience.  Apps will help you keep time, make your notes easy to read, and even turn the iPad into a teleprompter.  You can run your slides (and videos) from the iPad, and even use it as a white board.  And it all weighs a whole lot less than a laptop.  

3.  2 (or 2 dozen) Flip Cams – because it’s always about improving your craft. 

Buy a few of these before they disappear.  These handy cameras are the best things going for recording yourself and the audience (so you can see how you’re coming across).  That’s why you need two.  With two dozen, if you've got the budget, you can hand them out to the audience and get them to video you.  Then edit the various takes into a great show reel of your speaking.

4.   The King’s Speech DVD – because it makes the case for speaking.

Not only does this movie showcase a couple of great speech moments, and the best argument ever for the importance of public speaking, it also inspires speakers of any level to do better.  Because we can all always improve.  And it’s a good story, too.   

5.  A super stylish speaking outfit – because you should look and feel great.  

Don’t order this one online (it’s too late and too iffy); instead, hand your recipient a card giving him or her a shopping trip to get fitted out for the best suit you both can afford.  For anyone who does regular public speaking, a knockout outfit is essential.  When we feel like a million bucks, we stand as if we’re worth it, and the resulting confidence is great for the speech. 

With these gifts, you’ll make that special speaking someone in your life far snazzier, more confident, and better at the job.  Props and style do make a difference.  Happy holidays!