12 Distracting public speaking habits

Successful persuasive public speaking depends on the speakers' ability to capture and hold the audience's attention. I am sure you will agree then that any habits on your part as the speaker that cause distractions will only hurt your aims.

Here are twelve (the dirty dozen) habits many presenters have that either distract their audience from their presentation or dilute the power of their message, or both.

These are gathered from conversations with audience members I polled who were kind enough to share their pet-peeves. For a more detailed view including my recommendations, download my free mini e-book on the top five mistakes speakers make and how to avoid them.

Why should you care?

Attention is the currency of persuasion. And, like currency, it's value is in its scarcity. This is especially true in public speaking where you are speaking to a group of people and not just one individual. During public speaking, it is hard enough to hold the attention of an audience even when you are doing things right. Imagine how much harder it would be to be effective if you are adding to the distraction.

I want to help you ensure that you are not sabotaging yourself unknowingly.I am sharing this in the hope that you will take a good, hard look at yourself to see if you have any of these habits. This is the crucial first step to overcoming them. As the old saying goes, a problem realized is half-solved.

"Attention is the currency of persuasion."

1.  Excessive use of slang.

2.  Excessive use of jargon.

3.  Fidgeting and fiddling.

4.  Heavy-handed repetition (especially of the obvious).

5.  Improper use of speaker notes.

6.  Pointless digressions.

7.  Pacing the floor (the caged tiger syndrome).

8.  Use of excessively complicated language.

9.  Use of text-heavy visual aids.

10. Use of weak, passive sentences.

11. Use of weasel words.

12. Wearing inappropriate clothing.

Do you do any of these? Now that you know, you can get to work fixing these bad habits and becoming the effective speaker you have the power to be.

Remember, great speakers are made. It takes practice.

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Till the next post,

Speak with skill!