Throughout the years, we’ve seen dozens of myths come up over and over again about how to be the best public speaker. Disguised as wisdom, these theories may actually be hurting you and keeping you from reaching your full potential. Even worse, they may be making you avoid presenting, in which case you'll never improve.
Here’s a lineup of the 10 most common theories we hear and the “myth versus truth” answer to help you get on the right track to becoming an engaging and confident public speaker.
- I’m not a public speaker. Myth. Even the greatest presenters were not born public speakers. Everyone must practice.
- Speak with your hands. Depends. Yes, you should talk with your hands, but don't overuse them. Consider the size of your room and the space you are presenting in. Lastly, make sure your hand movements and signals match the message.
- Don't watch the back wall. Truth. If you cannot give your audience eye contact, look at the tops of their heads or at one eye.
- Make a grand entrance. Myth. With any presentation, it’s not about the speaker; it’s about the learner.
- Don't memorize your speech; use key concepts as reminders. Myth. Memorize the first 15 minutes and the last five minutes.
- Don’t stand in one place. Truth. Make sure you give attention to every side of the room. This will increase the energy in the audience.
- I shouldn't be nervous. Myth. When you aren’t nervous, it means you don’t care.
- Start and end with a joke. Myth. Jokes will offend someone nine times out of 10. Use natural humor instead.
- Shut off the lights for slides and videos. Myth. Keep the lights on so your participants can see their workbooks and you can see their faces.
- Always use a lectern or stand behind a table. Myth. Tables and lecterns create a barrier.
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