You're embarking on a career in public speaking. What pitfalls should you steer clear of?

Know your crowd! Talk about what interests THEM, not just you. Think age, background, what they already know. It's like a conversation, not a lecture. Speak their language, connect with them, and your message will hit home!

Underestimating the amount of preparation needed can lead to poor performance. Always prepare thoroughly. Failing to engage with your audience can make your speech dull. Pay attention to their reactions and adapt accordingly

Think motivation. From the maind, from the heart, from the wallet (money and recognition). Regardless of the socio-demo, this will help you navigate the most. Thank me later.

Definitely know your audience. I once delivered a speech to - a group of frustrated employees. I read the room and delivered accordingly. - a group of school kids. I read the room and delivered accordingly. - management. - mixed staff. If a speaker understands what truly resonates with different people and whatever circumstances they are in, they can deliver impactful speeches and even get them to engage. Understand your audience. Read the room. Be intentional about the message you wish to relay and remember: "In that moment your audience actually wants to understand what you have to say." Simon Sinek.

Trying to cover too much information can overwhelm your audience. Focus on key points and make them clear and impactful. Learn about the event, its purpose, and the overall theme. Align your presentation with the event's goals.

...and do not be afraid to use genAI to help you started. It does wonders to help us stop procrastinating and start really preparing.

Engaging emotionally with your audience is key to build a connection and establish yourself as a good speaker. Don't get into a zone where you adopt rote learning and sound robotic. Also never ignore audience feedback. Work towards connecting with your audience by sharing personal stories and anecdotes that are relatable. This makes your speech memorable. Don’t disregard audience reactions—adjust your delivery in real-time based on their responses. Don't just speak with the sole aim to impart information. Aim to inspire and make your audience feel by tapping into their emotions. This will always lead to an impactful speech that stays with the audience long after you have finished delivering it.

A flat monotonous delivery can lose your audience’s interest. Use varied tones, pacing, and gestures to keep them engaged. Use examples and anecdotes that resonate with your audience’s experiences and interests.

Identify what your audience hopes to gain from your presentation. Address their needs and expectations. Using too much technical language or jargon can alienate your audience. Make your content accessible.

Watched Ted Lasso? Remember Nate? The situation with his parents in the restaurant? That one. Select your power pose, and energise yourself. This works wonders for most of the people.

Continuous Improvements ?? Working in tech this is a common concept but it aplies exactly the same for speaking. There isn’t ever a point where you’re done. There is ALWAYS something new to learn whether that be new methods of engagement or refining your content or better understanding your target audience. That’s the beauty of it, some feedback could go to your head and make you get complacent - avoid at all costs.