Common Mistakes

Fix these before your next speech

Most beginner mistakes have a one-line fix. Pick one per week.

  • Reading slides word for word

    Fix: Put keywords on slides and explain them in your own words.

  • Speaking too fast

    Fix: Mark three pause points in your script and honour them.

  • Monotone voice

    Fix: Vary pitch and volume on at least one word per sentence.

  • Lack of eye contact

    Fix: One person, one sentence, then move to another face.

  • Poor posture

    Fix: Feet planted, shoulders open, hands free above the waist.

  • Using filler words

    Fix: Replace 'um' with a silent pause — it sounds more confident.

  • Lack of preparation

    Fix: Rehearse aloud at least five full times, standing up.

  • Ignoring the audience

    Fix: Ask a question, reference the room, react to their reactions.

  • Poor timing

    Fix: Always rehearse with a timer and build in a 10% buffer.

  • Weak conclusion

    Fix: End on a prepared final line, not on 'that's all, thank you'.