Don’t get caught making these embarrassing mistakes when public speaking. While nobody’s perfect, we can learn all there is about avoiding mistakes so we present ourselves intelligent and confident.
Here are 5 public speaking habits to avoid:
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Not customizing the speech to the audience.
This can be very easy to do and yet easy to avoid as well. Make sure you know the type of audience you are presenting to and tailor the wording, jokes and insights around those listening. You wouldn’t give the same speech to a group of college students as you would higher education professors. Likewise, you wouldn’t give the same speech at a bachelor party as you would the wedding. Consciously think about your audience and adjust as needed to their reactions even if you don’t know exactly who is receiving the message.
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Avoid distracting mannerisms.
Do you pace too quickly back and forth the stage? Giggle or say “and”, “um” too often? How about move and flair your arms too much? Fiddle with your face, pockets, hands or other body parts? This is where practicing in front of a mirror is so vital or better yet, film yourself and review the video for obvious blunders and distracting moves to avoid. Instead, focus on the message you really want to portray. If you are passionate about the message, that should be the thing that comes through loud and clear.
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Regurgitating information.
If you read your entire speech and it’s chalked full of data, stats and boring information, you will lose your audience faster than a monotone lecturer. Don’t just read your speech, know it inside and out. Amateurs practice until they get it right; professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong. Keep it up and make sure you are engaging and alive, not just reciting your research.
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Not getting to the point.
So many speakers spend those precious first moments telling too many jokes, fiddling, babbling or just plain apologizing for something. These first moments are key to grabbing your audience and holding on to them for the duration. Think about newscasters; they start with the basic facts first then expound as they go one. Get the point; come out with a bang and make them want to hang on to learn more.
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Not driving home the last point.
Say last what you want people to remember most. Don’t leave with a weak Q & A or comments. These are fine but make sure you end with a provocative statement that makes people think. Let them process what you’ve said so much they may not have time to culminate a decent question because they are so enthralled with your last points. This is what makes people remember you. Make your last statement count.
We also offer classes on public speaking, tricks, tips and tactics for speaking confidently, whether it’s a simple speech or your profession. Give us a call anytime.