Public Speaking

Small ‘mistakes’ can derail some speakers to the point of distraction.  Even a simple mispronunciation of a word or a slide show flicking one slide too far can throw people enough that they lose track of what they want to say next.

Try these tips if that happens to you:

1. Most people won’t notice most slip-ups

See this post about what other people think. TL;DR We just don’t warrant that much attention from other people.

2. If you gave incorrect information, circle back and correct it as early as you can

That’s more than a ‘stumble’.  You want to keep your credibility.

3. Take your stumble in your stride

This might take some grit when you first start.  

The alternative is that you make a production about it – you let your inner commentary out where the audience gets to see it.  That just puts your stumble up in flashing lights.  Then the people who didn’t notice in the first place will have a second chance.  😉  You also use up their precious time.

4. Try some of these recovery strategies instead:

• “Let me try that again.”
• “Give me one moment to untangle my words.”
• “Here’s the slide I need.”
• Touch a finger to your thumb as a reset and grounding practice.
• Take a breath, smile and continue.

5. Take care with people’s names

This is a time when people do notice mispronunciations, especially when it’s their own name or you’re referencing someone your audience will want to look up.  

Here’s how to deal with that:

• If you have notice that you’ll need to say an unfamiliar name, practise it until you get it right.  
• Write it out phonetically if you need to.
• Please don’t preface it with “I’ll probably make a hash of this.”  (Remember those flashing lights I mentioned.)
• If you have to pronounce an unfamiliar name without warning and you’re concerned, just say “I’m going to try this name.  Please correct me if I get it wrong.”  
• Don’t label the name as ‘difficult’ or ‘foreign’.  Imagine how you would like this to go if you were the person you’re naming.  Be straightforward and kind.

Most people don’t dwell on slip-ups; they notice how you carry on. Your gentle recovery shows more confidence and presence than a flawless delivery ever could.