Public speaking is a terrifying experience for many people across the United States, with an estimated 75 percent feeling bad at public speaking. Confidence does wonders for your public speaking needs, but reading your audience’s reaction to your speech is enough to fill yourself with doubt. Many careers are made or broken based on public speaking skills.
While you might still need to gain confidence, there are several tips you can use to avoid joining the bad public speakers in your life. Learning about the common mistakes that come with bad public speaking provides the roadmap you need to learn and grow when giving speeches and presentations.
The good news is that you’ve discovered the perfect guide to learning how to be a good public speaker. Continue reading to learn about the four mistakes to avoid today!
1. Information Overload
It’s natural to fear that your audience won’t understand your speech or message, but you must avoid overloading them with information. Jamming as much content into your address will bore your audience and cause them to disengage from the presentation.
Avoid putting clutter into your slides when using PowerPoint. Ask yourself if the information you’re including is necessary to assemble your speech.
Eliminate anything that doesn’t meet that description. Create an outline based on the desired outcome of your presentation for the best results.
2. Boring Visual Aids
Your visual aids should add to your presentation, but boring visual aids will detract from your message. Visual aids are especially vital when presenting data to your audience. They’re more likely to remember the data when you present it using helpful images and graphs.
Turn lengthy points into graphs and charts to prevent clutter in your PowerPoint. The visual aid is designed to support your message, not take away from it. Attending a Public Speaking Training course will teach you these keys to speech-giving.
3. Distracting Gestures
Nerves are natural when speaking, but you must control your gestures and eye contact on stage. Fidgeting with your hands and avoiding eye contact will make for an awkward presentation. Your subconscious gestures will distract your audience from the information you’re trying to share.
Be mindful of your arms when presenting or giving a speech. Keep your hands open and near your body, and focus on the audience’s foreheads if you’re nervous about making eye contact.
4. Lack of Pauses
Many nervous speech-givers also neglect to pause when giving a presentation. Running through your content at record speed will result in a bad presentation. Practice reading your presentation out loud and focus on pausing after each sentence.
Leave the Ranks of Bad Public Speakers Today
Bad public speakers have a knack for losing their audiences and rambling on without pausing to catch their breath. Knowing the mistakes to avoid to become an excellent public speaker will give you the confidence to share your message clearly and concisely. Avoid boring visual aids, and don’t overload your audience with information.
Furthering your education requires giving presentations and speeches. Reach your potential and become an excellent public speaker by reading more of our Career and Education blog content today!
