Speaking in front of an audience can be a major source of stress. However most speakers can still give a great presentation if they stay away from these bad habits. Here are twelve behaviors to avoid when you’re on the platform.
Even professional speakers practice relentlessly. Their skill is in relaying their message as if it is for the first time. Very few people can wing it and do an exceptional job. Don’t chance it. Practice, practice, practice.
Good speakers always know who makes up the audience. It makes it possible to tailor the speech to the group and pepper the presentation with nuances only they would understand. Show that you actually care who you are talking to. (Yes, I know I ended the sentence with a preposition which irks me, but whatever.)
Visual aids are meant to enhance your presentation. Period. They should not be overpowering nor should they be minimal to the point of being negligible. Too much can be just as offensive as too little. Use them correctly or don’t use them at all.
In conversation, we tend to be wary of people who don’t look us in the eye. This rule doesn’t change for a speaker in front of the audience. You may not be able to look at every single audience member, but glances should fall in various directions. If that makes you nervous, look between people. They won’t be able to tell 
Nothing is worse than listening to a speaker without vocal variety. It’s like listening to a dial tone. It’s not how we speak in regular conversation. If you do, you probably don’t have many friends… Change it up in a natural manner.
It’s ok to glance back to double check on your projection. However, talking to a screen is a sure way to break the connection you are trying to establish. The only exception is if you need to use a pointer, and even then, just turn sideways.
Stories reinforce the points of all good speakers. Most people see and remember in images. This is the strongest tool of connection for speakers to use – even when presenting statistics or other dry material. Give your content life.
While you are presenting, the audience provides clues as to whether they are engaged or not. By monitoring their reactions, you can gauge whether to speed up, slow down, walk around to change the energy, etc. If you are not one to observe your audience, just send a recording of you giving the speech. Save them from your oblivion.
People learn better when things are packaged nicely. Rambling on with no recap leaves listeners to sum things up on their own…assuming they remember your ramblings. Give your audience takeaways that drive home the point of your talk.
Nothing shows a lack of regard for your audience more than speaking through the designated period. Good speakers pay close attention and adjust their presentation as needed. If it is absolutely necessary and your audience is engaged, ask them for a few extra minutes. It’s a sign of acknowledgement.
There should always be a reason for your speech. It might be to inform, inspire, or motivate. Whatever the purpose, your audience should walk away something- relevant knowledge, an action to implement, or a new thought. Otherwise, what was the point of you being there?
When you speak, your job is to relay a message that matters. The audience has given you its time and you should reciprocate in giving them something of value. It’s not about you. What you say should live beyond you.
Ditch these no-no’s and you will give a solid presentation every time. From novices to seasoned speakers, the rules are the same. The bottom line is that your audience wants you to succeed, otherwise, they’re the ones who pay for it. Give them the best that you possibly can.
Featured image courtesy of Creative Commons.
Dr. F. Emelia Sam is a writer, speaker, and oral surgeon in the Washington, DC area. She is the author of I Haven't Found Myself but I'm Still Looking and How to Create the Life You Really Want. Most importantly, she abhors raisins and is a fierce advocate of Red Velvet.
Great tips, Emelia. Although some of these tips have been around for a while. I like it. Thanks for sharing.
@DennisKwan Thanks, Dennis. Speaking is as old as time. Barring technological advances, the rules of connection will always be the same. :)
Great list, Emelia. I agree with some of the other comments, this is a great list for new speakers to read before preparing a presentation, immediately prior to a presentation, and shortly after a presentation while it is still fresh in their mind.
Do that a few times, and they can start eliminating those deadly speaking sins.
@EmeliaSam Great tips...just wanted to ad a pre-public speaking preparation tip. Breathe deeply for several minutes to help with opening sentence nerves!
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Excellent piece, especially for those who speak little or have little experience of what best to do. I really value #7. I learnt a lot from Lee Glickstein's book 'Be Heard Now' that helped me with this.
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Awesome post. In communications, I saved my notes and use them often as a checklist and reminder before any presentation. A solid understanding of the basics supports the development of a person's unique style. Now if I could control my nervousness. :-)
@garron longfield Thanks for the comment, Garron. As for nervousness, just about everybody has it - even the pros. You might have heard it's not about not having butterflies, it's about getting them to fly in formation. As long as you have preparation on your side, you are ahead of the game. I also use breathing exercises. Inhale over 5 seconds, hold breath for 3, exhale over 5 seconds. Helps slow down the heart rate. :)
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Great post, Emelia. I think this is pertinent for kids as well as adults. And what better way for parents to help their kids with school presentations than sharing this. Kids may not believe the parents but in a quick read you've offered great suggestions.
Of course this is good for anyone who'll be speaking in public or giving business presentations. Thank you!
@saving4someday Thanks, Sara. You're right, The rules are universal. I guess the earlier we start to use them, the better.
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Nice article, Emelia!
And Someguyrandcomlybrowsing - About the reading of slides (which I agree is public speaking evil) that's included in the "turning your back to the audience" tip!
