Public speaking can be intimidating, and almost everyone makes mistakes at some point — even experienced speakers. The difference is that skilled presenters learn from mistakes and avoid repeating them.

This article identifies the most common public speaking mistakes and explains how to fix them, so your speeches become confident, clear, and engaging.

Section 1: Not Practicing Enough

The #1 mistake beginners make is thinking they can “wing it.”

Why It’s a Problem:

• Causes nervousness

• Leads to rambling or missing key points

• Makes pacing uneven

• Weakens confidence

How to Fix:

• Rehearse multiple times

• Practice in front of a mirror or friends

• Time yourself

• Record your speech and adjust pacing, tone, and gestures

Even 15–20 minutes of daily practice improves your performance.

Section 2: Speaking Too Fast or Too Slow

Pacing is crucial. Speaking too fast can confuse your audience; too slow can bore them.

Signs You’re Speaking Too Fast:

• Running out of breath

• Words blend together

• Audience seems lost

Signs You’re Speaking Too Slow:

• People check their phones

• Long pauses between words

• Speech feels dragged

How to Fix:

• Practice with a timer

• Mark pauses in your script

• Use emphasis to naturally slow down important points

• Record yourself and listen

Section 3: Using Filler Words Excessively

Filler words include:

• “Um”

• “Uh”

• “Like”

• “You know”

• “So”

Why It’s a Problem:

• Distracts listeners

• Makes you sound uncertain

• Reduces credibility

How to Fix:

• Pause silently instead of filling space

• Practice speaking slowly

• Record yourself and count filler words

• Replace fillers with intentional pauses

A pause feels more confident than “um” or “like.”

Section 4: Reading Directly From Notes or Slides

Relying too much on written text or slides removes natural connection with your audience.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Audience loses engagement

• Speech feels robotic

• You may miss natural gestures or expressions

How to Fix:

• Use notes with keywords, not full sentences

• Practice without reading

• Look at slides occasionally, then face the audience

• Memorize opening and closing lines

Section 5: Lack of Eye Contact

Looking only at your notes, the floor, or one spot makes the audience feel ignored.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Audience feels disconnected

• Reduces trust

• Weakens message impact

How to Fix:

• Use the 3-second rule: look at one person briefly before moving on

• Divide the room into zones and rotate your gaze

• Identify friendly faces as anchor points

Section 6: Poor Voice Control

A weak, monotone, or inconsistent voice can undermine even the best speech.

Common Issues:

• Shaky or soft voice

• Monotone delivery

• Too loud or shouting

How to Fix:

• Practice diaphragmatic breathing

• Use pitch, volume, and pace variation

• Emphasize key words

• Warm up your voice before speaking

Section 7: Overloading Slides or Visuals

Many speakers rely too heavily on slides and clutter them with text or effects.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Audience reads instead of listening

• Visuals distract rather than support

• Technical problems become bigger

How to Fix:

• Stick to one idea per slide

• Use images or graphs, not paragraphs

• Keep colors and fonts consistent

• Don’t read slides word-for-word

Section 8: Ignoring Gestures and Body Language

Standing stiffly, hiding your hands, or fidgeting reduces impact.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Makes you look nervous

• Reduces emphasis

• Breaks audience connection

How to Fix:

• Use open, purposeful hand gestures

• Stand tall with relaxed shoulders

• Move with intention

• Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself

Section 9: Speaking Without Structure

A speech without a clear introduction, body, and conclusion confuses listeners.

Signs of Poor Structure:

• Audience seems lost

• Ideas jump around

• Speech feels rushed or rambling

How to Fix:

• Outline main points clearly

• Use transitions between ideas

• Preview and summarize key points

• Practice the flow until it feels natural

Section 10: Not Engaging the Audience

Failing to interact or connect makes speeches forgettable.

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring reactions

• Speaking in a monotone

• No storytelling or examples

How to Fix:

• Ask questions (rhetorical or interactive)

• Use stories, examples, or analogies

• Vary tone and pacing

• Observe audience reactions and adjust

Section 11: Forgetting to Practice Timing

Ignoring the clock can lead to rushing or running over time.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Reduces clarity

• Hurts audience attention

• Looks unprofessional

How to Fix:

• Practice with a timer

• Allocate time for each section

• Adjust content if necessary

Section 12: Overcomplicating Language

Using overly complex words or jargon can confuse the audience.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Audience loses understanding

• Reduces engagement

• Makes speech less relatable

How to Fix:

• Use clear, simple language

• Explain necessary terms

• Focus on one idea at a time

• Use examples to illustrate points

Section 13: Failing to Handle Nervousness

Everyone gets nervous. Ignoring it makes mistakes worse.

Common Nervous Behaviors:

• Shaking hands or voice

• Fast speech

• Avoiding eye contact

• Fidgeting

How to Fix:

• Practice breathing exercises

• Use grounding techniques (feet planted, relaxed shoulders)

• Visualize success

• Focus on message, not fear

Section 14: Lack of Practice With Audience or Tech

Not practicing in the actual environment or with technology causes problems.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Microphone issues

• Slides out of order

• Difficulty projecting

• Nervousness increases

How to Fix:

• Rehearse in the room if possible

• Test equipment beforehand

• Familiarize yourself with the setup

• Practice with a small audience

Section 15: Ignoring Feedback

Failing to reflect on past speeches slows improvement.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Mistakes repeat

• Growth is slow

• Confidence may drop

How to Fix:

• Ask teachers, friends, or peers for feedback

• Record your speeches and review

• Focus on 1–2 areas to improve each time

Section 16: Final Thoughts

Mistakes are normal, and even professional speakers make them.
The key is to:

• Identify common errors

• Practice techniques to prevent them

• Stay calm and adjust during the speech

• Focus on connecting with the audience

With awareness and consistent practice, you can avoid these pitfalls and deliver speeches that are clear, confident, and engaging.

Remember: public speaking is a skill, not a talent. Every mistake is an opportunity to improve.