Public speaking is not just about the words you say; it is about the energy you leave behind. As a seasoned moderator and host, Joy Mido has seen firsthand how even the most brilliant experts can disappear into the background when they step onto a stage.
If you want to move from being “just another speaker” to a memorable authority, you must avoid these three common pitfalls:
1. Prioritizing Information Over Connection
The biggest mistake speakers make is treating the stage like a lecture hall. If your audience wanted a data dump, they would have asked for a PDF.
- The Fix: Data gives you credibility, but stories give you relatability. Every point you make should be anchored in a human experience. Instead of just stating a fact, tell the story of the person that fact affects. Connection is the bridge that carries your information into the audience’s memory.
2. Ignoring the “Vibe” of the Room
A forgettable speaker is one who delivers a canned presentation regardless of the atmosphere. If the audience is tired after lunch or buzzing after a big announcement, and you ignore that energy, you create a wall between yourself and the listeners.
- The Fix: Acknowledge the moment. Use the “Precision” of a moderator—read the room, reference something a previous speaker said, or call out a shared feeling in the space. When you react to the environment in real-time, the audience feels seen, and your presence feels authentic.
3. The Lack of a “Power Close”
Many speakers end their time with a weak, “So, yeah, that’s it… any questions?” This is the equivalent of a marathon runner stopping two feet before the finish line.
- The Fix: Your final 60 seconds are your most valuable. End with a “Soul” moment—a provocative thought, a call to action, or a powerful quote that reinforces your purpose. Leave them with a clear “takeaway” so that when they walk out the door, your name is the one they associate with the solution.