Presenting to an audience? Don’t make these common mistakes

By Harriet Alexander, Founder & Managing Partner

September 2025

Top mistakes people make when presenting

• Saying “um” or using filler words too often. Once someone notices you’re doing this, it will likely be all they hear. ‘Kind of’, ‘sort of’ and ‘like’ also qualify. Instead, simply pause for a moment while you plan what you’re going to say next. 

• Going too fast. You need to speak slowly enough for the audience to keep up, and to pause at key points to let your words register. Speaking at the correct speed for this to happen will often feel as though you are going a little too slowly. Breathing properly and pausing can also help with this.

• “That’s a great question!” you say to a keen audience member, before launching into your answer. Well, it’s not a great reply and here’s why: how do you think it makes all the other audience members feel who asked questions and didn’t get the same validation? 

  
  

• Reading a script word for word. This may be acceptable when filming a video but that’s about it. At best, you’ll look unprepared; at worst, you’ll seem unknowledgeable. This habit is almost always driven by a lack of confidence or fear of freezing. Instead use bullet points, talk them through out loud beforehand and don’t be afraid of having to pause to think about what you’re saying next. Spontaneity brings a presentation to life and the audience will connect better if you’re more natural. Remember to look up and engage the audience with eye contact, too.

  
  

• Being vague when you really don’t know the answer to a question. This makes you look like you’re obfuscating, when all the audience wants is a clear, straight answer. Instead, say “I’ll need to check that and come back to you.” The audience will appreciate your honesty.

  
  

• Moving about too much, or poor posture. If standing, put your feet flat on the floor, with your weight split evenly and try not to shift from one foot to the other. Relax your shoulders or else you’ll look hunched and nervous. Don’t fold your arms as you will look defensive. Some hand movement is natural but too much will distract the audience. 

How to improve your delivery

• Film yourself presenting and watch it back. It’s excruciating but gives you an insight you wouldn’t otherwise have.

  
  

• Ask your colleagues for honest feedback after a presentation and take it on board.

  
  

• Undergo presentation training and retraining, no matter how senior you are or how long you’ve been presenting.

  
  

• Confidence, preparation and speed regulation are key to clear and successful delivery.