How To Stop THIS One Distracting Speaking Habit That Frustrates Audiences

It’s probably the most distracting physical mannerism speakers exhibit.

When it’s expertly used, it lures audiences into a hypnotic trance, and guarantees they won’t hear your message.

What is this distracting action?

Back-and-forth pacing.

This is a challenge for even the most experienced speakers. As we transition back to in-person and hybrid speaking, this problem will most likely be more prevalent than ever.

Why Is This A Bad Habit?

Perhaps this example will help you understand:

Years ago, I had a manager who led a weekly team meeting. He had a habit of starting each meeting at the left side of the room, then begin walking to the right. He held a writing pen in his right hand.?

When he reached the right side of the room, he’d expertly perform a 180° turn, click the pen, and then begin walking toward the left side of the room.

This continued for the entire time of his presentations.?

The one unpredictable action was the number of times he clicked his pen. Sometimes it was once; other times twice; sometimes many clicks, depending on how animated he was.

This happened so frequently a couple of colleagues and I would sit in the back of the room and place bets on how many times he’d click the pen each turn.

Unintended Results

I'm sure you can see the problem. We were so focused on the movement and the pain, we didn't hear a single word he said.

I know you've seen other speakers do this. But, the most important question in this post is:

Is this a problem you have??

Not with the pen, but the distracting pacing.

There are exceptions, but I find for most speakers this is the top challenge they struggle to overcome.

Why Do We Pace?

In a word, nerves.

Pacing is a release of nervous energy.?

This is the root of the problem. Our release of nervous energy creates tension in our listeners. Our excessive and unnecessary movement conveys a message we’re not confident or we’re nervous. They pick up on this. It’s a subtle “dance” that takes place between speaker and listener, and it creates a less than an enjoyable experience for them.

A Simple Solution

The solution is simple, but not easy because you have to develop a new habit, which always takes focused effort and time. But, it’s worth developing the new habit.

When you practice your speeches, tape off a 2' x 2' square on your floor. Step into the square. This is your new speaking area. For the entire length of your speech, you’re not permitted to step outside of the square.

If you step out, the Pacing Police will come and arrest you for speech delivery crimes against innocent audiences.?

What is the effect of limiting the area where you can step??

You plant your feet and the energy moves up into your upper body. You become more expressive through your torso, arms, and face. This greatly increases your connection with listeners.

It also makes you look more confident, in control, and authoritative.?

If you want to be the speaker who commands attention and keeps audience interest from start to finish, you have to control your speaking area. That begins with keeping your feet still and allowing your upper body to convey the energy.

Develop this habit, and no one will spend time placing bets on your distracting mannerisms. They’ll be too engaged in your presentations.

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The best speakers use coaches to help them unlock their best and most authentic delivery style.

If you'd like to talk with Michael about how to deliver your speeches in the most effective manner, schedule?your no-cost & no-obligation ZOOM call with him: https://calendly.com/speaker017/15-minute-call