Five common public speaking mistakes
Public speaking, just as many other skills, can’t be mastered without practicing and knowing your mistakes. It is a first step toward improvement. Here are some of the most commonly seen errors along with advice on how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Reading from a script
Not only does reading your presentation word for word significantly undermine your credibility, as people can’t be that sure that you know what you are talking about, but it is also very boring. Having your key notes beside the PowerPoint presentation is a good reminder that won’t stand in the way of your spontaneity.
Mistake #2: Talking too fast
You are anxious and you want it to be done as soon as possible so you speed up your speech. Talking too fast reveals your lack of confidence, undermines your credibility and makes it difficult for the audience to follow your presentation.
Mistake #3: Too much information
You worked hard on your project and when you finally get a chance to present it, you want to tell it all. Unfortunately, human capacity for information is limited so you need to carefully select the information you want to share. When it comes to public speaking more is not better.
Mistake #4: Using too many “ums” and “ers”
Buying some time between words and sentences by using fillers such as “um” and “er” is a commonly seen malpractice. Not only does it makes you look nervous and insecure but it is also disturbing for the audience. Try to replace the fillers with pauses. Remember, good speakers enjoy their silence.
Mistake #5: A sudden or a never-ending end
The closing is an important part of every speech or presentation. Some even claim that it is the last words that the audience remembers the best. Nervous speakers who can’t wait to be done with their presentations often give a weak ending. Seeing a last “Thank you for your attention” PowerPoint slide when no one expects it is a bit frustrating for the audience, and almost as annoying as speakers who announce they are about to finish, then keep talking for a prolonged period of time.
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