Public speaking-10 common mistakes people make when they’re starting out

1. Not knowing your audience. It’s important to tailor your message to your audience. Who are they? What do they want to hear? What are their expectations?

2. Thinking public speaking is all about you. It’s not. It’s about your audience and what they want or need to hear from you. Keep that in mind and focus on them, not on yourself.

3. Not preparing enough. Preparation is key to public speaking success. Know your material inside out so you can relax and focus on delivering it well, rather than worrying about forgetting something.

4. Being too nervous. This is normal, but if you’re too nervous it will show and affect your performance. Take some deep breaths and try to relax before you start speaking.

5. Speaking too fast. Nerves can make you speak quickly, but it’s important to slow down and speak at a natural pace so people can understand you and follow what you’re saying.

6. Not using pauses effectively. Pauses can be powerful public speaking tools, so don’t be afraid to use them for emphasis or to take a breath. Just don’t over do it!

7. Fidgeting too much. Again, nerves can make you fidget, but it’s important to stay still as much as possible so you don’t distract from your message.

8. Not making eye contact. Making eye contact with individual members of your audience shows them that you’re speaking directly to them and helps engage them in what you’re saying.

9. Using filler words . Words like “um” or “like” can make you sound unprepared and unprofessional . Try to avoid using them as much as possible.

10. Not practising enough . Practise really does make perfect when it comes to public speaking ! The more you do it, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.

Just remember, everyone makes mistakes – even experienced public speakers ! So don’t worry if you do too . The important thing is that you learn from them and keep practising until public speaking becomes easier for you. Good luck!