Public speaking can go really well—or really awkward. And often, it’s not because of what you’re saying, but how you’re saying it. Maybe you’ve got the right content. Maybe you’ve rehearsed it. But if you’re falling into some of these common traps, you’re losing the audience before you even realise it.
1. Saying “like” every five seconds
We all know the one. The speaker who fills every pause with “like,” “um,” “uh,” and “you know.” It doesn’t just distract people; it chips away at your credibility.
You might be making solid points, but if you’re peppering your sentences with filler words, it sounds like you’re unsure or unprepared. That’s the opposite of how you want to come across.
What helps
So, how can you stop saying like? Try recording yourself and playing it back. That’s often the fastest way to catch how often you do it and how it sounds to others. You can use a voice recording app or something more advanced to track your speaking habits and get real feedback on things like filler words, pace, and tone. Super handy if you’re trying to level up quickly.
Once you’re aware of your patterns, start replacing filler words with a pause. Silence is your friend. It gives the audience time to process, and makes you sound more confident.
2. Talking way too fast
Nerves love speed. When you’re anxious, it’s easy to rush through your sentences without realising it. But your audience can’t absorb what you’re saying if it’s flying at them like a bullet train.
Even if you’re saying great stuff, it won’t land.
Slowing down a bit gives your words more impact. It also gives you a chance to breathe, think, and stay calm.
And no, you don’t need to drag things out. Just aim for a natural pace, like how you’d speak if you were explaining something to a friend.
3. Reading slides word for word
If your presentation involves slides, please don’t just read them aloud. Everyone in the room can already see the text.
Reading verbatim makes people zone out. Fast. Instead, treat slides as prompts or visual support. Speak to the idea behind each slide, not the exact words on it. Your job is to add value, not repeat what’s already on screen.
Better yet, use fewer words on the slides to begin with. Keep it visual, keep it punchy.
4. Ignoring the audience completely
Some speakers get so caught up in their script that they forget there’s an actual room of people in front of them. Eye contact, body language, a simple smile—it all matters.
If you’re not engaging with the people in front of you, they’re less likely to stay focused. A good talk feels like a two-way moment, even if the audience isn’t saying anything out loud.
Move around a bit. Look at different parts of the room. Let your tone shift based on how people are reacting. The more human you are, the more connected they’ll feel.
5. Starting with a weak or boring intro
First impressions are real. And in public speaking, they happen fast. If you start with something flat like “Hi everyone, thanks for being here, today I’m going to talk about…” you’ve already lost some energy.
Instead, start with something that sparks curiosity or emotion. A bold statement. A question. A surprising fact. Get their brains switched on. Then loop in your purpose once you’ve got them listening.
6. Trying to be someone you’re not
It’s tempting to mimic speakers you admire. Maybe you’ve seen someone charismatic and think, “I’ll try their style.” But forcing a persona never works. People can sense when you’re being inauthentic, and it makes them uncomfortable.
If you’re not naturally loud or funny, don’t fake it. Be you, but confident. That’s what resonates most. Public speaking isn’t about being a performer. It’s about being clear, relatable, and genuine.
7. Not preparing for questions
The Q&A section can trip people up if they haven’t thought about it. You finish your talk, someone asks something slightly unexpected, and suddenly you freeze or ramble.
Always take time to prep for the likely questions. Think through objections or doubts your audience might have. That way, you’re not caught off guard, and you come across as someone who really knows their stuff.
And if you don’t know the answer? Be honest. Say you’ll look into it. That’s better than bluffing.
8. Standing still like a statue
You don’t need to pace the stage like a game show host, but standing completely frozen or awkwardly rocking can make you look nervous or disconnected.
Movement helps keep the audience engaged. Even just shifting your position occasionally or using your hands to emphasise a point makes a difference.
But make it natural, controlled, and intentional. The goal is to reinforce your words, not distract from them.
9. Going on too long
Attention spans are short. And if you go past your time limit, or just keep talking long after your key point was made, people check out.
Clarity beats volume every time. Say what matters, say it well, and wrap it up while people are still with you.
If you’re not sure how long your talk is, rehearse it. Time it. Cut anything that doesn’t need to be there. Leave space for questions if needed. Short, sharp, and strong always beats long and wobbly.
What Actually Makes People Listen
Public speaking doesn’t have to be polished or perfect. But it does need to feel real. People connect with speakers who seem honest, prepared, and present, who speak like they care, not just about their topic, but about the people listening.
It’s less about trying to “perform” and more about removing the things that get in the way. Lose the filler words. Ditch the script. Look up. Slow down. Be yourself.
Most importantly, remember that your job is to communicate. Not just talk. That’s what makes you worth listening to.