Top 10 Public Speaking Mistakes to Avoid – How to Fix Them

What are the dos and don’ts of public speaking? What are the common mistakes in public speaking that others make? What should you avoid when speaking? What are public speaking problems and solutions?

Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball

Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London.  Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page. 

How to Avoid Public Speaking Mistakes

Public speaking is a powerful tool to grow your career or your business. You could be speaking in front of a small team or a large audience. In every case, giving a great presentation can have a lasting impact.

Public speaking can be daunting, whether you’re addressing a small group or standing in front of an audience of hundreds.

Many novice speakers worry about making mistakes, but the good news is that most issues can be overcome with awareness and practice. Here are some of the most common mistakes public speakers make and how to tackle them effectively.

How to Ruin a Speech

Want to make sure your speech is a disaster? Start by skipping preparation—winging it is the best way to lose your audience fast. Write an essay rather than a talk. Then read it word for word. Pack your talk with endless facts and jargon. Speak in a monotone voice, avoiding eye contact at all costs to keep listeners disengaged.

If you really want to bomb, go over your allotted time, ignoring any cues that people are bored or checking their phones. And for the grand finale, end abruptly without a clear takeaway, leaving everyone wondering why they bothered listening. Follow these steps, and you’ll guarantee a speech no one will remember (for the right reasons).

Amateur Speaker Pitfalls: How to Sound Like a Nervous Newbie

If you want to sound like an inexperienced speaker, just embrace these classic mistakes.

• Start with a weak opening—maybe a mumbled “Uh, so yeah, today I’ll talk about….” Then, fill your speech with “ums,” “likes,” and awkward pauses while staring at your notes.
• Stand stiffly behind the podium, gripping it like a life raft, and avoid any gestures that might convey confidence.
• If you really want to lose your audience, speak too fast, mumble, or trail off at the end of sentences.
• And for the final touch, ignore the audience’s reactions—just power through your script, no matter how many people look confused or bored.
  
• Master these habits, and you’ll perfectly embody the nervous amateur who leaves zero impact.

With polished public speaking skills you are on your way to a more successful future when speaking in public.

Great public speaking is a real skill.  And it’s a skill you can learn. Learn how to improve your public speaking skills.

We’ve been supporting executives to build their public speaking skills for 15+ years. Here, our experts share their advice on the most common public speaking mistakes and how to fix them. You can also read about our top public speaking tips.

Mistakes to Avoid when Speaking in Public

Mistake #1: Not preparing enough when speaking in public

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when giving a presentation is not preparing enough. A well-prepared speaker will have a clear outline of what they want to say and how to say it. This includes having a clear understanding of your audience, their interests and concerns, and the key messages you want to convey.

Speaking in Public Mistake #2: Reading from Notes or Slides

Another public speaking mistakes is reading directly from notes or slides. This will make you sound robotic and uninspired. It will also make it difficult to connect with your audience and build rapport.

How to Avoid It:

To avoid this mistake, memorise your key points and only use your notes or slides as a guide. Even better, never even look at your slides.  Let any visual aids be for the audience’s benefit, not yours.

Practice your presentation enough times that you feel comfortable enough to speak without relying heavily on your notes. This will help you connect with your audience and make your presentation feel more natural.

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Why Pick Benjamin Ball Associates for Your Coaching

At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching business people to improve their business communication skills for over 15 years.  Our coaching is fast and effective.  We work with individuals and with companies, one-to-one and in groups.  Call us today to learn more.

“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

Our most popular training courses include:

• Presentation Coaching
• Public Speaking Coaching
• Investor Pitch Support and Coaching

Trusted by some of the most successful companies globally

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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Public Speaking Mistake #3: Focusing Too Much on Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in your own nerves and concerns when giving a presentation. However, if you focus too much on yourself, you risk losing your audience’s attention and interest.

How to Avoid this Mistake:

To avoid these public speaking mistakes, shift your focus away from yourself and onto your audience. Talk about the value you are providing to them and the information that will help them succeed. Remember, the goal of your presentation is to provide value to your audience, not to showcase your own skills.

Public Speaking Mistakes #4: Not Engaging Your Audience

One of the most frequent mistakes you can make when giving a presentation is failing to engage your audience. If your audience is disengaged, they are less likely to remember the information you present and less likely to take action on it.

How to Avoid Bad Public Speaking:

To avoid these public speaking mistakes, make sure your presentation is interactive and engaging. For example, you could ask your audience questions, encourage discussion, and use examples to make your points more relatable. Use Power Language throughout.  By engaging your audience, you’ll keep them interested and motivated to take action.

If you want to transform your public speaking, look at our intensive public speaking training courses.

Mistake #5: Lack of Eye Contact

When giving a presentation, it’s important to make eye contact with your audience. This helps build trust and connection, and shows that you are confident and engaged in what you are saying.

How to Avoid when Speaking in Public:

To avoid this mistake, practice making eye contact with your audience during your presentation. Aim to look at each person in the audience for a few seconds, making sure to include people at the back and sides of the room. This will help you build rapport and connect with your audience. And spend time with each group.  A passing glance is not enough.

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Public Speaking Mistakes #6: Speaking Too Quickly

Speaking too quickly is a trap many people, especially when nervous, fall into. This can make it difficult for your audience to follow your presentation, and can make you appear nervous or unprepared.

Another big rookie mistake is relying too heavily on filler words like “um,” “like,” or “you know.” These words creep in when speakers don’t give themselves enough time to think. A great technique to combat this is to take a deep breath and pause briefly when you need to gather your thoughts. Silence feels longer to you than to audience members, and a pause can actually emphasise your key points.

How to Avoid Speaking Quickly:

To avoid this public speaking mistake, don’t just speak slower.  Instead, speak at your usual pace, but add a pause every 6-10 words.  Use shorter sentences.  And put more energy into your delivery.  With this you will be much more impressive when you present.

Learn how to master the art of public speaking with our intensive public speaking coaching

Mistake #7 Ignoring your audience

Other public speaking mistakes include ignoring the needs and interests of the audience. If you’re not tailoring your presentation to the audience’s expectations, you risk losing their attention and failing to make a connection.

How to Avoid:

Take time to understand your audience’s needs and interests before you start preparing your presentation.  Tailor your presentation to meet those needs by talking about the most relevant and important information. Use examples and stories that your audience can relate to and engage with. Like this you will connect with your audience.

Mistake # 8: Using jargon and technical language

While it may be tempting to use technical language and jargon to sound more knowledgeable and credible, this will backfire and alienate your audience. The most senior executives use the simplest language. Avoid this obvious public speaking mistake.

And a monotone voice is a sure-fire way to lose your audience’s interest. Varying your tone and using relevant stories or personal stories to illustrate your points can add emotional depth and relatability. The human condition is rich with experiences that resonate universally; tapping into that through storytelling is a great way to connect with your audience.

How to avoid mistake:

Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand.  Avoid using technical terms and jargon unless you are absolutely sure that your audience understands them.  Use analogies and metaphors to help explain complex ideas in a more accessible way.

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Speaking in Public Mistakes # 9: Focusing Too Much on Slides

It’s easy to get caught up in your slides and forget about your audience. Many speakers spend too much time working on their slides and even reading their slides, rather than connecting with their audience. This can lead to a disengaged audience and a lacklustre presentation.

Another common misconception is that a PowerPoint presentation packed with too much text will engage your audience. In reality, slides with endless bullet points will overwhelm and bore audience members. Instead, use visuals or short phrases to support your main points, and keep your focus on the purpose of your talk. Remember: you are the presentation, not the slides.

How to Avoid Slide Mistakes:

Remember, your slides are a tool, not the main event. Use your slides to support your message, rather than relying on them to carry your presentation. Keep your slides simple and uncluttered, with only a few key points on each slide. 

Instead of looking at your slides, look at your audience. Make eye contact, use body language to emphasise your message, and try to connect with your audience in a meaningful way. By putting your audience first, you’ll create a more engaging and memorable presentation. Imagine you are giving an illustrated talk, rather than talking through slides.

Learn these techniques and more to improve your public speaking skills with intensive public speaking training

Mistake #10: Not Rehearsing Enough

One of public speaking problem is caused by not rehearsing enough. Rehearsing your presentation is critical to ensuring that you deliver it smoothly and confidently. You can easily overcome the fear of public speaking with expert coaching.

Distracting mannerisms, like excessive hand gestures or pacing, can also pull attention away from your message. Facial expressions and natural movements are great ways to connect with your audience, but overdoing them can have the opposite effect. Practising in front of others or recording yourself can help you identify and adjust bad habits before your next presentation.

Whether you’re a young leader just starting to develop your presentation skills or an experienced public speaker looking to reach the next level, preparation and practice are key. Make time to rehearse, tailor your message to your target audience, and keep improving. Next time you step in front of an audience, you’ll feel more confident and in control.

How to avoid not rehearsing:

Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure that you are comfortable with the content and delivery.  Use video: Record yourself practising your presentation and watch the footage to identify areas for improvement. 

Time yourself: Make sure that your presentation fits within the allotted time frame. Practice adjusting your pace to stay on track.  Get feedback: Ask someone to listen to your presentation and provide constructive feedback on your content and delivery. Like this you can avoid public speaking mistakes.

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What Next to Avoid Public Speaking Mistakes

The best way to avoid problems in public speaking is through practice, with feedback. 

We can help accelerate this process with intensive coaching.  With just a few hours of support you can transform, so that you speak like a professional.  Call our client services director, Louise Angus, for a chat about how we can help you with our expert tailored public speaking and presentation coaching.

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Why Choose Us:
Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching

We can help you present brilliantly. Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.

“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.

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Unlock your full potential and take your presentations to the next level.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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FAQ: Public Speaking Mistakes to Avoid – How to Fix Them

For expert coaching, contact Louise Angus at +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com.

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Read the Ultimate Guide to Public Speaking for Leaders