Here are some common mistakes that TED (TED Talks) advises its speakers to avoid:
- Take a really long time to explain what your talk is about.
- Speak slowly and dramatically. Why talk when you can orate?
- Make sure you subtly let everyone know how important you are.
- Refer to your book repeatedly. Even better, quote yourself from it.
- Cram your slides with numerous text bullet points and multiple fonts.
- Use lots of unexplained technical jargon to make yourself sound smart.
- Speak at great length about the history of your organization and its glorious achievements.
- Don’t bother rehearing to check how long your talk is running.
- Sound as if you’re reciting your talk from memory.
- Never ever make eye contact with anyone in the audience.
