Delivering a presentation or speaking in front of a group can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced professionals. The pressure to perform, connect with the audience, and communicate effectively can be overwhelming. But here’s the thing—public speaking isn’t something we’re born knowing how to do. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it can be developed and refined over time.In this post, I’ll walk you through some common mistakes people make when presenting and, more importantly, how you can avoid them. Whether you're presenting in the boardroom, at a conference, or even in a small meeting, these tips will help you elevate your public speaking skills and leave a lasting impression.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="true" autoplay="false" disablekbcontrols="false" enableiframeapi="false" endtime="0" ivloadpolicy="0" loop="false" modestbranding="false" origin="" playlist="" progressbarcolor="white" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6g8og8a_UE8?color=white" start="0"></iframe></div><h1 id="06ae0dde-6ce3-404b-9ab8-de3c50965166" data-toc-id="06ae0dde-6ce3-404b-9ab8-de3c50965166">Avoid Starting with "Is This On?"</h1>One of the most common errors I see during presentations is when speakers begin by tapping the microphone and asking, "Is this on?" This not only wastes valuable time but also sets an awkward tone right from the start.Trust the professionals managing the event. In most cases, an AV team will ensure the microphone is working perfectly. If you’re concerned, request a sound check before your presentation. When it's time to speak, step up confidently and start your presentation. If there’s an issue with the microphone, your audience will let you know. Starting strong is key to commanding attention.<h1 id="dc8ae68a-5964-471e-9d6c-33df596798c9" data-toc-id="dc8ae68a-5964-471e-9d6c-33df596798c9">Bringing Low Energy to the Stage</h1>Public speaking is as much about energy as it is about words. When you walk onto the stage, the way you present yourself immediately impacts how your audience perceives you. Enter with low energy, and you'll lose their attention before you’ve even started.Your audience is constantly surrounded by distractions—phones buzzing with social media, notifications, and even streaming services like Netflix. If you don’t capture their attention from the outset, you risk losing them to these distractions. Walk in with purpose, smile, make eye contact, and start your presentation with energy. This doesn’t mean you need to be over-the-top, but confidence and positive energy go a long way in keeping people engaged.<h1 id="21980f9c-46bc-43ec-b835-f989dcaa5796" data-toc-id="21980f9c-46bc-43ec-b835-f989dcaa5796">Overloading Your Slides</h1>Slides are meant to complement your presentation, not steal the show. One of the most common public speaking mistakes is overloading slides with text or complex visuals. If your audience has to squint or struggle to understand what's on the screen, you're already losing their focus.Keep your slides clean, simple, and visual. Use large, legible fonts and minimise text. If possible, stick to one key point per slide and support it with visuals like images, graphs, or bullet points. This approach keeps your audience focused on your message, not your slides.<h1 id="6b105059-82d6-46de-a23e-5356e8d51ac9" data-toc-id="6b105059-82d6-46de-a23e-5356e8d51ac9">Reading Directly from Slides</h1>We've all seen it before—the presenter who stands with their back to the audience, reading verbatim from the slides. It’s disengaging, and frankly, unnecessary. Your audience can read, and they don’t need you to read for them.Instead, use your slides as a visual aid to reinforce your key points. Keep your focus on the audience, maintain eye contact, and speak to them directly. Your goal is to connect with your audience, not your slides. This connection is what will keep people engaged and receptive to your message.<h1 id="c0f484e4-9473-4634-810c-f07a754b9dd1" data-toc-id="c0f484e4-9473-4634-810c-f07a754b9dd1">Filling the Silence with Um's and Ah's</h1>One of the biggest challenges in public speaking is the tendency to fill silences with filler words like "um", "ah", and "you know." These fillers can make you appear less confident and distract from your message.To avoid this, practice pausing. A brief moment of silence allows you to collect your thoughts and gives your audience time to process what you've just said. Pausing also adds a level of confidence to your delivery. Remember, it's perfectly fine to take a second to think—your audience won’t mind, and it can actually enhance the impact of your message.<h1 id="07a26de4-75a5-44f4-8621-592906a48040" data-toc-id="07a26de4-75a5-44f4-8621-592906a48040">Speaking Too Fast</h1>Nerves often make us speed through our presentations. Speaking too quickly, however, not only makes it harder for your audience to follow but also increases your own anxiety.Make a conscious effort to slow down. Take deep breaths and allow your words to land. Speaking at a measured pace ensures your audience can fully absorb your message and helps you stay in control of your nerves.<h1 id="a5567ce3-6828-4740-9304-08e7bb30b9fc" data-toc-id="a5567ce3-6828-4740-9304-08e7bb30b9fc">Reading Directly from Notes</h1>It’s tempting to keep your head down and read from your notes, especially when nerves take over. But doing this disengages you from your audience, who end up looking at the top of your head rather than connecting with you.Public speaking is all about connection. Instead of burying your head in your notes, aim to memorise key points or use prompts to guide you. Engage with your audience by making eye contact, looking around the room, and speaking directly to them. This creates a rapport that makes your message more impactful.<h1 id="7d2ff42f-fd12-49f9-b5cc-875cd54b748e" data-toc-id="7d2ff42f-fd12-49f9-b5cc-875cd54b748e">Using a Monotone Voice</h1>Even the most engaging content can be undermined by a monotone delivery. If your voice remains flat throughout your presentation, you risk losing your audience’s attention, no matter how valuable your message is.The solution? Vary your tone. Emphasise key points, raise and lower your voice for dramatic effect, and use pauses to keep your audience hooked. Think of your presentation as a story—you want to bring your audience along for the ride. Passion and energy in your delivery will make your message memorable.<hr><h1 id="48208243-9949-4bdc-b371-9f773cc8a544" data-toc-id="48208243-9949-4bdc-b371-9f773cc8a544">Unlock the Secret to Confident Communication</h1><h5 id="93a7234d-902f-41c7-9f21-2afac76f2494" data-toc-id="93a7234d-902f-41c7-9f21-2afac76f2494">Struggling to start conversations or connect with others? You’re not alone! The ability to confidently connect with others is a skill anyone can develop. Download my FREE 15-minute training and discover the Break The Ice 3-step formula that will help you start conversations effortlessly, whether you’re at a business event, a social gathering, or just making small talk. Ready to build meaningful connections without fear? 👉 Get instant access here:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bit.ly/4dTZZaz"> Break The Ice Training</a></h5><hr><h1 id="5088f9d3-8aab-49f4-98ab-8163f2dd59f7" data-toc-id="5088f9d3-8aab-49f4-98ab-8163f2dd59f7">Conclusion</h1>Becoming a confident public speaker doesn’t happen overnight, but by avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly improve your public speaking skills. Start by being aware of the pitfalls, and practice your delivery with these tips in mind. The more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel, and that confidence will translate to your audience.Whether you’re delivering a keynote at a major event or simply leading a meeting, mastering public speaking is essential to your success. By stepping onto the stage with energy, connecting with your audience, and delivering your message clearly and confidently, you’ll leave a lasting impact.<hr>Want more tips on improving your communication and public speaking skills? If you found this post helpful, connect with me for more insights: Instagram:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/anthonylayespeaker"> @anthonylayespeaker </a>YouTube:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@anthonylaye"> @anthonylaye </a>Website:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://anthonylaye.com"> AnthonyLaye.com</a>For businesses looking to enhance their team’s communication or event organisers seeking a dynamic and insightful speaker, I’m here to help. I’ve dedicated my career to developing confident, charismatic, high-impact leaders. Reach out today to find out how we can work together!

Delivering a presentation or speaking in front of a group can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced professionals.

Mastering Public Speaking: 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Unlock the Secret to Confident Communication

Struggling to start conversations or connect with others? You’re not alone! The ability to confidently connect with others is a skill anyone can develop.Download my FREE 15-minute training and discover the Break The Ice 3-step formula that will help you start conversations effortlessly, whether you’re at a business event, a social gathering, or just making small talk.Ready to build meaningful connections without fear?👉 Get instant access here: Break The Ice Training

Learn how to grow and scale your online course business using our online course platform. EzyCourse blog is designed to teach you how to create and sell online courses.

Mastering Public Speaking: 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mastering Public Speaking: 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

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