Title: 19 Potential Pitfalls to Avoid During a Major Presentation
Ditching outdated advice is key to delivering an unforgettable presentation in today's fast-paced world. Twentieth-century wisdom on public speaking isn't always beneficial, so let's uncover some persistent lies and switch to more modern tactics, courtesy of 19 experts in our Coaching Council at Our Website.
Unshackle Myths and Misconceptions
1. Perform to Inspire is Dead and Buried
The misconception that public speaking must always come off as a performance to inspire is a thing of the past. Modern audiences appreciate authenticity over dramatic flair, seeking valuable insights and genuine stories rather than feeling-good inspiration. A fantastic speech embodies relatable anecdotes, emotional connections, and actionable takeaways that drive inspired action no longer just inspire admiration. - Leisse Wilcox, Leisse Wilcox Consulting Inc.
2. Start with a Joke - a Mistake, Laughably
Advisors would tell you to open with a joke. Sadly, not everyone possesses the stand-up comedy skills required to start strong. Furthermore, you take a significant risk of offending someone or bombing, spelling disaster for your intro. Unless you're an innate joker, steer clear of this misbegotten recommendation. - Cha Tekeli, Chalamode, Inc.
3. Eye Contact Focuses On Missing the Mark
Eye contact is mistakenly believed to be the necessity in person communication. Instead, foster eye connection. Speak only when you spot eye contact. Build trust and demonstrate genuine concern through eye connection, not mindless scanning of the crowd. - Stacey Hanke, Stacey Hanke Inc.
4. Begin with Apologies - a Wise and Timely Move
Apologies to my early college speech instructor, who taught against beginning with an apology. In today's whirlwind of information and decisions, mistakes happen, even substantial blunders. Open your speech with a well-crafted, sincere apology, eliminating faux pas' impact and showcasing humility. - Cheri Bachofer, Forwarding Leaders
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5. Memorize Scripts: Risky Business
Famously, don't memorize your script - unless you're doing a TED Talk, earnings call, or similar presentations that demand verbatim delivery. Concentrate on high-impact talking points and stories, rehearsing their delivery for more impactful and memorable speech. - Dr. Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES, CaffeinatedKyle.com
6. One-Way Talks: Boring and Superfluous
Public speaking deemed as a one-way conversation is outdated. Engage audiences with questions, prompts, or activities, enhancing conversations' impact. I encourage audience intrusion every five to ten minutes - whether using reflection, quizzes, or mini-group discussions. Engagement energizes the room, deepens connections, and converts speeches into meaningful, collaborative experiences. - Samantha Alvita, Alvita Coaching
7. Addressing Audience Pain Points: False Start
One aging public speaking tip that should be left in the past is to build upon audience pain points. We've discovered that people desire to escape pain, not remain stuck in it. Speak of their aspirations, what's possible for them, and inspire hope and excitement for action. - Christine Williams, Shine Wellness LLC
8. Verbatim Practice: Strictly Avoid
Practice your speech until you can deliver it verbatim is an outdated public speaking tip. It can lead to a rehearsed and monotonous delivery, stripping away authenticity that resonates with listeners. Instead, focus on the core message and main points, promoting a natural and flexible delivery adapting to the audience's reactions. - Alejandro Bravo, Revelatio360
9. Imagining Audience in Their Underwear: Inadequate
Widely popular advice, "imagine the audience wearing their underwear," may be well-intended but does little good. Rather, speak as if addressing friends, making you more relaxed and, in turn, relaxing the audience, improving the atmosphere. - Ann Holland, Strive Performance Coaching
10. Audience before Content: Misleading
The so-called "ABC" of public speaking - Audience Before Content - still has some value, but this approach may not always work in the rapidly evolving world today. Speakers might need to educate and enlighten audiences, from time to time, about their needs, desires, or even aspirations. - Antonia Bowring, ABstrategies LLC
11. Data and Facts Obsession: Failed Strategy
Addictive reliance on data, facts, and bullet points is outdated in public speaking. Storytelling through engaging, relatable, emotional case studies resonates more profoundly and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. - Joseph Sudhip, Declutter Minds
12. Over-sharing: An Unproductive Approach
Over-sharing information on stage strays from the expert positioning ideal. Flooding the audience with too much data and factual information can result in audience boredom and disengagement. Instead, emotional hooks, compelling stories, and simple frameworks are key public speaking secrets to audience engagement and message retention. - Katie Anderson, Katie Anderson Consulting
13. Crossed Arms: Body Language Blunder
Aggressive body language like crossing arms is a poor public speaking tip. Crossed arms suggest unease, insecurity, and defensiveness, creating a barrier between the speaker and listeners. Avoid this closed-body position to foster trust and build a positive connection with the audience. - Amanda Fischer, Amanda Mae Fischer, Executive Leadership & Career Coach
14. PowerPoint Overdose: Presentation Mistake
Relying heavily on PowerPoint is a dwindling public speaking art. Discussions, thought-provoking questions, and actionable takeaways resonate more with audiences. The power of presenting fewer slides, engaging the audience, and beginning discussion soon becomes their favorite part of the experience. - Jaclynn Robinson, Nine Muses Consulting, LLC
15. Unfiltered Communication: Misconception Spread
Unembellished and unfiltered communication is now outdated. Social media's pervasiveness makes our messages reach unintended audiences. Misinterpretations can lead to criticism, conflict, or unfavorable reactions. Even while being truthful, tailor your message for the intended audience to mitigate negative effects. - Sarat Chakravarthi, LeadYouth Education
16. Mirror Practice: Not Real Life Preparation
Mimicking speech practice in front of a mirror is outdated advice. Raw, authentic, and real-life practice sharpens the skills necessary for unforgettable encounters, from public disclosures to everyday mingling. - Lovely Marshall, Lovely is YOUR Story
17. Avoid Movement and Gestures: Fallacy
As a misguided PR tip, eliminating movement and gestures during a public speech is a ludicrous recommendation. Emphasis, engaging stories, and connection flow naturally through purposeful gestures and intentional body language. An over-eager stance can come off as insincere or lacking in authenticity. - Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu, Motiva International
18. Rigid Script: Struggle and Failure
Encouraging speakers to adhere to an exact script is an outdated tip. Memorizing lines can lead to hiccups and hesitation. Instead, trust your expertise, creating a more conversational and compelling presentation style rather than reading off a script. - Alecia Wellen, Alecia Wellen Coaching
19. Look Above the Audience, Lose Connection
Looking above the audience to appear intimidating or authoritative follows the obsolete perspective on public speaking. Forge a bond with individuals in the room by focusing on one or two faces. By connecting on a deeper level, you foster trust, engagement, and a noticeable impact on larger crowds. - Cheri Rainey, Rainey Leadership Learning
Enrichment Data
Topics:
- Habits
- Mindset
- Speaking Skills
- Nonverbal Communication
- Presentation Strategies
Insights:
- Improving Public Speaking:
- Gathering information about the audience can influence speech delivery.
- Body language can reveal internal feelings and emotions, making speakers more relatable.
- Mindset:
- Public speaking can create stage fright, impacting presentation quality.
- The SpeakEasy Challenge is a mental exercise for dispelling stage fright.
- Habits:
- Good habits like practicing on a regular basis, recording and reviewing speeches, and attending relevant workshops can improve public speaking.
- Breaking and adopting new habits guarantees improved skill development.
- Nonverbal Communication:
- Hand and arm positioning, facial expressions, and head movements contribute to the delivery of public speaking.
- Gestures can reinforce speaker messages and reduce nervousness.
- Presentation Strategies:
- Engaging the audience, using storytelling, and implementing emotion-based persuasion help maintain audience attention.
- KISS (Keep it Simple, Stupid) can simplify and improve complex content presentation.
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/04/11/15-public-speaking-misconceptions-that-are-costing-you-business-and-career-advancement/?sh=758b08e9564f
[2] https://www.webalignment.com/blog/10-common-misconceptions-about-public-speaking/
[3] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-motivated-speaker/201602/can-anyone-learn-public-speaking
[4] https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/public-speaking-tips
[5] Chen, N., Yoo, T. H., Eyedi, M. (2010). Carefully and Deliberately: The Role of Teachers’ Feedback Strategies in Promoting English Language Learners’ Interactional Participation. The Modern Language Journal, 94(5), 802-824. DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-4791.2010.01041.x
The notion that effective public speaking requires a dramatic performance to inspire is outdated. Modern audiences appreciate authenticy and value insights and genuine stories over feeling-good inspiration. For an unforgettable presentation, incorporating relatable anecdotes, emotional connections, and actionable takeaways can foster inspired action.
Leadership in public speaking also involves fostering eye connection rather than scanning the crowd mindlessly for eye contact. Building trust and demonstrating genuine concern through eye connections can resonate more with the audience.
[Referenced experts: Leisse Wilcox, Stacey Hanke]
