Top 10 Public Speaking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

How to avoid public speaking mistakes. Public speaking is a powerful tool to grow your career or business. Whether you’re speaking in front of a small team or a large audience, a great presentation can have a lasting impact. However, public speaking can also be nerve-wracking, and many people make mistakes that hinder their success.

We’ve been supporting executives in their public speaking skills for 15+ years and our experts share their advice on the top 10 public speaking mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Not preparing enough when speaking in public

One of the biggest mistakes people 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 they want to say it. This includes having a clear understanding of the audience, their interests and concerns, and the key messages they want to convey.

Mistake #2: Reading from Notes or Slides

Another common mistake 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.

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 It:

To avoid this mistake, 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 Mistake #4: Not Engaging Your Audience

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

How to Avoid It:

To avoid this public speaking mistake, make sure your presentation is interactive and engaging. Ask your audience questions, encourage discussion, and use visual aids and 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.

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 It:

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.

Mistake #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.

How to Avoid It:

To avoid this 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.

Mistake #7 Ignoring your audience

Other common 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 It:

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

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.

How to avoid it:

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.

Mistake # 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 focusing on their slides, rather than connecting with their audience. This can lead to a disengaged audience and a lacklustre presentation.

How to Avoid It:

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 focusing on your slides, focus on your audience. Make eye contact, use body language to emphasize 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.

Mistake #10: Not Rehearsing Enough

One of the most common public speaking mistakes in public speaking is not rehearsing enough. Rehearsing your presentation is critical to ensuring that you deliver it smoothly and confidently.

How to avoid it:

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.

What Next to Avoid Public Speaking Mistakes

The best way to avoid public speaking mistakes is through practise and with feedback.  We can help accelerate this process with intensive coaching.  With just a few hours of support we can transform you so that you learn how to speak like a professional.  Call our client services director for a chat about how we can help you.

Improve Your Business Presentation Skills Today

About Benjamin Ball Associates

At Benjamin Ball Associates, we help clients to communicate better. You get presentation coaching for executives.

Over 15+ years the award-winning BBA team has coached thousands of senior executives globally to present powerfully. You get access to a transformational toolbox of techniques to help you become a clear, confident communicator.

We’ll help you create a powerful first impression that hooks and engages your audience immediately, and we’ll transform you to deliver clearly, confidently and with impact.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email louise@benjaminball.com to find out more and discuss your upcoming speech or presentation.

Improve Your Business Presentation Skills Today