Nine No-No’s of Public Speaking
Nine No-No’s of Public Speaking
Let’s say you LOVE speaking in public. You are fearless! You line up to be behind the podium … the more people who are listening, the better. But wait – that does not mean you SHOULD be there or that you are doing a great job. Here are some of the worst offenses that speakers do while doing their best to convey important information or be scintillating and entertaining. Take a look.
The Nine No-No’s of Public Speaking …
Speaking without a plan; relying too much on charisma or memory
Having limited physical and emotional contact with audience [staring at the ceiling, avoiding eye contact, staring at your notes]
Speaking incoherently -- too quickly, too softly, too loudly
Making disturbing noises and gestures [tapping pen on podium or microphone, jingling coins in your pocket]
Wearing distracting jewelry [earrings, bracelets] or toying with watches, twisting rings, twirling pens
Wearing ill-fitting/inappropriate clothing
Using NONWORDS [uh, ah, hmm] or overusing certain phrases [you know]
Relying too much on jokes and gimmicks [throwing popcorn, candy, banana peels at the audience]
Using a microphone improperly [not using it when needed, holding it too close to your mouth, or heaven forbid, clearing your throat into it]
BREAK: Do you need help in becoming a great public speaker? Contact GeeFaye Associates for a class or two accentuating your ‘poise ‘n presence.’ Reasonable rates with GREAT results. Pinky promise!
Keep reading - a few more of my pet peeves…
Conducting personal grooming while waiting – clipping fingernails, using a toothpick
Eating gaseous/congestive foods before speaking
Leaving your cell phone/pager on –
ANSWERING a call on your phone while presenting (I’ve seen it done!)
Talking with STUFF in your mouth – gum, cough drop, candy