Liverpool Public Speaking and Presentation Coach on: Public Speaking Mistakes That Kill Engagement — And How to Avoid Them

Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills in professional life. Whether you’re delivering a pitch, a keynote, or simply chairing a meeting, your ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively can elevate your influence and credibility.

But even smart, articulate professionals can struggle to connect with their audience. Why?

Because public speaking is about more than just talking—it’s about creating an experience your audience wants to be part of.

In this article, we’ll uncover the most common public speaking mistakes that damage engagement and explore what you can do—immediately—to improve. Whether you're new to presenting or a seasoned communicator, these insights will sharpen your skills and help you lead every room with confidence.

Why Engagement Fails in Public Speaking

Let’s begin with a typical scenario.

Alex, a senior engineer, is asked to speak at a regional conference. He prepares detailed slides, rehearses the technical elements, and delivers with precision. But halfway through, he notices the audience is drifting. Few are taking notes. Some are checking their phones. He finishes to polite applause, but little follow-up.

Alex didn’t make a glaring mistake—but his public speaking failed to connect. He focused on delivering information, not delivering impact.

So where do most people go wrong?

The 5 Public Speaking Mistakes That Kill Engagement

1. Speaking Without Purpose

When you’re not clear on why you’re speaking, your audience won’t be either. Without a defined message or objective, talks meander—and attention suffers.

Fix it: Before you write your talk, complete this sentence: “After listening to me, I want my audience to…” This gives your talk purpose and direction.

2. Failing to Address the Audience’s Needs

Many speakers make the mistake of focusing on what they want to say, rather than what the audience needs to hear.

Fix it: Learn about your audience. What are their concerns? What do they value? Frame your content around theirworld, not yours.

3. Monotonous Delivery

Even the most compelling ideas fall flat when delivered in the same tone. A lack of vocal variation is one of the quickest ways to lose a room.

Fix it: Use pace, pitch, pause, and emphasis. Slow down for impact, raise your voice to show excitement, and pause to let ideas land.

4. Ignoring Nonverbal Communication

Public speaking is as much about body language as it is about words. If your posture, gestures, or expressions don’t match your message, audiences disconnect.

Fix it: Maintain an open stance, use your hands to illustrate points, and make eye contact. These cues build trust and connection.

5. Overloading With Information

Too much content overwhelms. Your audience doesn’t need everything—they need the right things, delivered clearly.

Fix it: Prioritise clarity. Choose 2–3 key points to develop and support them with stories, examples, or visuals. Less is often more in public speaking.

Mastering Public Speaking: Tools and Tactics

Knowing what not to do is only half the battle. Let’s now explore what you should do to speak with confidence and authority.

1. Use Storytelling to Create Emotional Engagement

Facts inform. Stories connect.

People remember how you made them feel, and storytelling is the shortcut to emotional resonance.

Action Step: Find one short, relevant story from your personal or professional life that illustrates your core message. Practise telling it out loud with emotion.

2. Open Strong, Close Stronger

First impressions shape the audience’s attention. Final impressions drive their response.

Action Step: Open with a powerful hook—a question, a startling fact, or a short anecdote. End with a clear call to action or takeaway message.

3. Make Your Structure Transparent

A talk without structure feels like a stream of thoughts. Good public speaking follows a logical path your audience can easily follow.

Action Step: Use signposts throughout your talk—“Let’s look at three strategies…”, “Here’s the next key point…”, “To wrap up…”

4. Practise with Intention, Not Perfection

Many speakers over-rehearse their content word for word, resulting in stiff, lifeless delivery. Instead, rehearse ideas, not scripts.

Action Step: Rehearse by speaking aloud with bullet points, not full sentences. Focus on fluency, clarity, and tone.

5. Get Feedback From the Right People

You don’t need to figure it out alone. Public speaking improves faster with expert feedback.

Action Step: Ask someone you trust—or a coach—to observe a short rehearsal. Ask them: "What worked? What felt unclear? Where did I lose you?"

Why Public Speaking Matters More Than Ever

In today’s professional world, ideas are everywhere—but attention is scarce. The ability to capture attention, earn trust, and move people to action is what separates good communicators from great ones.

Public speaking isn’t just a performance skill. It’s a leadership skill.

Whether you’re speaking to a room of colleagues, delivering a TED-style talk, or pitching to investors, your words can open doors—or close them.

The good news? You don’t have to be born a ‘natural’ speaker. You just need the right mindset, the right techniques, and the right support.

Take Your Public Speaking to the Next Level

If you’re ready to:

• Speak with authority and clarity

• Build trust and rapport with any audience

• Get your ideas across confidently and memorably

• Overcome nerves and self-doubt

...then let’s talk.

I offer personalised public speaking coaching to help professionals like you:

• Identify your unique speaking style

• Strengthen your message

• Rehearse with purpose

• Deliver talks that connect and convert

Book a free discovery call today and take the first step towards speaking with impact.

Mark Westbrook is a qualified communication coach who helps professionals in the UK and beyond build confidence, speak clearly, and connect with purpose.