Public speaking tics to avoid

“I’m excited to be here.” Of course you are! Would you be angry to be there? Don’t tell them you’re excited. Show them. This is understandable to say, but less powerful than just smiling, saying thank you, and starting strong. It says nothing, and public speakers are hired to say something.

“I want to talk about…”

So just talk about it. Or wait until it’s time to talk about it. If you have to grip people by hinting at what is coming, whatever you’re saying right now isn’t gripping … and that’s the issue.

(Describing your own bio.) Brochureware and emcees are for building context about you. Plus, you’re on stage. You’re the speaker. Your credibility has been established just by virtue of standing there. To justify it, deliver a great talk. That will show how worthy you are, rather than try to tell them all the impressive places you’ve worked. That is the shorthand for “I’m worthy.” Don’t rely on the shorthand. Your talk will be the proof. If it’s great, nobody cares what logo is on your LinkedIn.

This is especially key for former executives to grasp, especially those who still talk about their own experiences. Those experiences become less useful the further out from holding that job you go. If you’re hired to speak, and you don’t work for a big brand right now, it’s because of your talk, not the logo an organizer can put on their website.

“Okay, that’s my time.” Oof. The momentum killer. Don’t end by dropping them off the cliff. Reach exit velocity with a powerful recap and final, memorable moment. Don’t end with a whimper. End with gusto.

Practice doesn’t make perfect. It makes better. If you have a speech coming up, practice removing these tics, and it will make the talk miles better. Good luck!

PS: I did a podcast with Ryan Hawk about public speaking. You can listen here.

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