7 common mistakes people make when starting public speaking

• Don't memorise every word – Focus on your key points instead of reciting a script. Speaking naturally makes you sound more confident and helps you recover if you forget a line
• Slow down and practise – Nerves can make you speak too fast. Rehearse your presentation several times and use pauses to keep your audience engaged
• Connect with your audience – Maintain eye contact, use natural body language and avoid reading directly from your slides to make your presentation more engaging

Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Whether you're giving a presentation at work, pitching a business idea, speaking at a conference or addressing a classroom, the ability to communicate confidently can open doors to new opportunities.

Yet for many beginners, public speaking can be intimidating. Nervousness is natural, but some common mistakes can make speaking more difficult than it needs to be. The good news is that these pitfalls can be avoided with preparation and practice.

Here are seven common mistakes people make when starting public speaking—and how to overcome them.

1. Trying to memorise every word

Many first-time speakers believe they need to memorise an entire speech word for word.

While this may seem like the safest approach, it often has the opposite effect. Forgetting a single sentence can cause panic and make it difficult to continue naturally.

Instead, focus on understanding your key points rather than memorising every line. Use brief notes or cue cards to keep yourself on track and speak conversationally.

2. Speaking too quickly

Nerves often cause beginners to rush through their presentations.

When you speak too quickly, your audience may struggle to follow your message, and you may appear less confident than you actually are.

Slow your pace, pause between key ideas and take a breath when needed. Speaking slightly slower than feels natural usually sounds just right to your audience.

3. Ignoring body language

Your body communicates just as much as your words.

Avoid standing rigidly, crossing your arms or constantly shifting your weight. Likewise, excessive pacing or repetitive hand movements can distract your audience.

Stand comfortably, maintain good posture, use natural gestures and make eye contact with different sections of the room to create a stronger connection with your listeners.

4. Reading directly from slides

Slides should support your presentation—not become your script.

Reading every word on the screen makes your presentation less engaging and reduces interaction with your audience. People can read the slides themselves; they're there to reinforce your message.

Keep slides simple with short bullet points, images or charts, and use them as prompts while you explain the details in your own words.

5. Forgetting to practise

Even experienced speakers rehearse before important presentations.

Many beginners underestimate the importance of practice and assume they can simply "wing it". This often leads to awkward pauses, poor timing and unnecessary anxiety.

Practise aloud several times before your presentation. Rehearsing in front of a mirror, recording yourself or presenting to friends or family can help you identify areas for improvement.

6. Focusing too much on being perfect

Many new speakers worry about making mistakes.

In reality, audiences rarely expect perfection. Minor slips, forgotten words or brief pauses are usually unnoticed or quickly forgotten.

Instead of aiming for a flawless performance, focus on communicating your message clearly and authentically. Confidence often comes from accepting that small mistakes are part of the learning process.

7. Not engaging the audience

Public speaking is a conversation, not a one-way performance.

Some beginners spend so much time concentrating on their notes that they forget about the people listening.

Ask questions, share relevant stories, use real-life examples and maintain eye contact to keep your audience interested. When listeners feel involved, they're more likely to remember your message.

Tips to become a more confident speaker

Improving your public speaking skills takes time, but these habits can accelerate your progress:

• Know your audience before preparing your speech.
• Arrive early to familiarise yourself with the venue.
• Test your microphone and presentation equipment beforehand.
• Take a few deep breaths before you begin.
• Record your presentations and review them for improvement.
• Look for opportunities to speak regularly, even in small groups.

The more you practise, the more natural public speaking becomes.

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Meanwhile, TheRadar has compiled a list of key financial habits that can help you build lasting wealth during your 20s and 30s, when many people land their first job, start a business, get married, buy a home or begin investing for the future. 

The financial decisions you make during this period can shape your lifestyle for decades to come. While no one gets everything right, avoiding a few common mistakes can put you in a much stronger position later in life.