15 Presentation Mistakes You Can Fix Today
Danny Riley
9-min read
What you’ll learn:
- How to avoid the most common public speaking pitfalls.
- Tips to engage your audience.
- Staying calm and confident, even when things go wrong.
Watch the video!
The First Presentation Mistake: Skipping Prep
As a TEDx coach, I’ve worked with countless speakers seeking to boost their charisma and confidence in presentations.
But here’s the kicker: many don’t want to put in the work.
The number one presentation mistake? Failing to prepare.
Whether it’s a fundraising pitch, a Best Man speech, or a business presentation, preparation is non-negotiable.
It’s tempting to procrastinate when nerves kick in, but trust me: prep, prep, and prep some more. Your audience deserves it, and so does your confidence.
2. Speaking Too Fast (or Too Slow)
Pace matters in presentations. Aim for a conversational 100–160 words per minute, as I’ve noted in my guide to public speaking tools.
Too fast, and you’re an auctioneer.
Too slow, and you’re lulling the room to sleep.
Most speakers rush when nervous. Slow down — you’ll still be clear, and your audience will stay with you. Just don’t bore them into a nap!
3. Apologising for Slip-Ups
Mistakes happen. Your mic might cut out, slides might fail, or you might blank on a point.
Whatever you do, don’t apologise. Apologising doesn’t make you humble; it dims your presence. Instead, fix the issue and move on. Feeling bold? Crack a light-hearted joke about it.
Skip the “sorry” and keep your magnetism intact.
All good? Onward.
Ready to speak with confidence?
Explore our training options...
4. Crumbling Under Questions
Great presentations should spark questions — embrace them!
A challenge means your audience is engaged, thinking, and curious. Prepare by researching thoroughly, using vivid stories or metaphors, and welcome healthy debate.
Always invite questions at the end to close strong, not scrambling to answer a curveball from the legal team. Check out my tips for handling tough questions.
5. Being Overly Wordy
6. Overcomplicating Your Message
No one thanks you for confusing them.
Audiences care about clarity, not how much you know. Ditch the jargon, skip the acronyms, and test complex ideas on laypeople. If you can’t explain your central message it in one sentence, it’s too complicated.
Anyone can sound smart by being overly verbose. It takes a great communicator to make the complex, simple.
7. Beating Around the Bush
Unlike slow-burn films, presentations don’t have time to meander. You’ve got 15–20 seconds to hook your audience before they reach for their phones, per Mindtools.
State your purpose and why it matters upfront. Keep driving that point home to make your presentation stick.
8. Skipping Stories
What do children ask for before bedtime? A PowerPoint presentation? A list of figures on your company’s financial projections? No, they ask for a story, don’t they?
Adults are no different — we crave adventure, heroes, and overcoming the odds.
Presentation that solely rely on numbers and data quickly become boring. Refine your message into a tale that resonates.
9: Opening With a Whimper
Your opening is your headline. It’s supposed to capture attention, and get people excited for what comes next.
A dull start invites scrolling smartphones. Grab people in the opening seconds with a bold question, surprising fact, or vivid story.
My 9 killer speech openers can help you start with a bang and keep your audience hooked.
10. Faking Confidence
“Fake it till you make it” flops in presentations.
Audiences spot inauthenticity a mile off. Don’t pretend to care — actually care. If the topic doesn’t excite you, find a reason to connect or skip the speech.
Sincerity trumps forced confidence every time.
Your audience will forgive you for being nervous, but they’ll never forgive you for being insincere.
11. Overusing Filler Words
A few “ums” or “ahs” are fine, but a 45-minute presentation riddled with fillers? Painful.
Over use of filler words screams under-preparation. Swap “like” or “so” for pauses or transition words like “because” or “and.”
Vary them to keep your flow natural and confident.
12. Monotone Delivery
A flat voice is a presentation killer. Monotony makes you sound robotic, not relatable.
Try this: pick a sentence, like “I love you very much.”
Stress different words — I, love, very — and notice how the meaning shifts.
Play with tone and emphasis to and keep your audience engaged. Here’s more vocal variety tips.
13: Death by PowerPoint
Coined by Angela Gardner, “Death by PowerPoint” is real.
Cliché stock images, text-heavy slides, or reading verbatim? Instant snooze. Craft your message first, then add slides sparingly.
Follow the 10/20/30 rule: 10 slides max, 20 minutes, 30-point font minimum. Each slide should convey one clear idea. Your voice, not your slides, drives great presentations.
14: Avoiding Eye Contact
Every audience member deserves your attention. Dodging eye contact is a presentation mistake that disconnects you from the room.
Arrive early, chat with your audience, and find friendly faces. Make brief eye contact with each person, sharing a complete thought before moving on. It builds connection and confidence.
15: Losing Composure
Calm under pressure is a speaker’s superpower. Presentation mistakes like panicking over a glitch, or losing your temper, can derail you.
Build composure outside the stage — try competitive sports, or practise meditation to stay calm under pressure. Practise staying unruffled, and you’ll handle any curveball with ease.
Fix These Presentation Mistakes Today
Mistakes are inevitable in presentations, but they’re also opportunities.
Each slip-up teaches you how to handle it better next time. The mark of a great speaker isn’t perfection — it’s resilience.
Avoid these 15 presentation mistakes, and you’ll captivate any crowd. Need more help? Explore our presentation skills training options to polish your craft.
Here’s to your public speaking success!