Here’s what most public speaking articles won’t tell you: traditional advice like “practice in front of a mirror” and “imagine the audience in their underwear” rarely creates memorable speakers. After helping dozens of people with their public speaking, I’ve discovered something that might surprise you: most popular public speaking advice isn’t just unhelpful—it’s actively holding speakers back.
The Five Myths Sabotaging Your Speaking Success
“The moment you stop trying to be a ‘great speaker’ and start being a great communicator, everything changes.”
Myth 1: Confidence Comes from Perfect Preparation
Popular Advice: Practice until you can recite your speech in your sleep.
Reality: Over-preparation often creates stiff, forgettable presentations. Here’s what actually works:
- Create a flexible “conversation map” instead of a rigid script
- Master the art of “planned spontaneity”
- Leave room for genuine audience interaction
Myth 2: Eliminate All Signs of Nervousness
Popular Advice: Use power poses and deep breathing to appear completely confident.
Reality: Trying to eliminate nervousness often makes it worse. Instead:
- Channel nervous energy into passionate delivery
- Use the “70% Rule”: operate at 70% of your maximum energy
- Transform self-consciousness into audience awareness
Myth 3: Command the Room with Big Gestures
Popular Advice: Make yourself bigger, use broad gestures, own the stage.
Reality: True stage presence often comes from stillness and subtlety. Try these instead:
- Master the strategic pause (I’ll show you three types in part 2)
- Make smaller, more intentional gestures
Myth 4: Connect with Everyone in the Room
Popular Advice: Make eye contact with every audience member.
Reality: Trying to connect with everyone creates scattered, unfocused energy. Instead:
- Create 3-4 “anchor points” in different areas of the room
- Develop “connection clusters” rather than individual connections
- Use the “Spotlight Technique” for emphasis (more on this in part 2)
Myth 5: Tell More Stories
Popular Advice: Pack your presentation with personal stories.
Reality: Random stories often dilute your message. Focus on:
- Strategic vulnerability instead of general openness
- “Impact moments” rather than complete narratives
- Concrete examples that directly support your point
Checklist for success
To summarise everything we’ve learnt so far about mastering your next speech.
- Create a flexible “conversation map” instead of a rigid script
- Channel nervous energy into passionate delivery
- Create 3-4 “anchor points” in different areas of the room
- Focus on strategic vulnerability and “impact moments”
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore real-world techniques that actually work for improving your public speaking skills.
Beyond Traditional Training
If you’re interested in applying what you’ve learnt here today and would like guidance, I offer bespoke public speaking classes in Oxford as well as online. These cater to speakers of all abilities and ages, and I can help you prepare for academic, professional or even wedding speeches!..
Whether you join me for a public speaking class in Oxford or online, we’ll focus on:
- Finding your authentic speaking power (not copying someone else’s style)
- Building flexible communication tools (not rigid rules)
- Developing genuine presence (not artificial techniques)
A Different Approach to Preparation
Here’s what makes our work together different:
- We start with your natural strengths rather than trying to fix “flaws”
- We develop techniques that feel authentic to you
- We focus on impact rather than perfection
Ready for Real Change?
If you’re tired of generic public speaking advice and ready to discover your authentic speaking power, let’s talk. Whether you’re preparing for a specific event or building long-term communication skills, I’ll help you find your unique voice and presence.
I deliver one of public speaking classes in Oxford or online for those needing some specific guidance on an upcoming presentation, as well as an in-depth Public Speaking Masterclass program which goes through the whole process of preparation, delivery and mastering the Q&As.
More details of my public speaking programs can be found here.
If you’re looking for helping preparing for an upcoming speech or want to improve your all-round confidence & public speaking ability, you might like to Book a free consultation to discuss how I can transform your speaking approach while staying true to who you are.
Drawing from over a decade of experience in theatre and professional speaking coaching, I help clients discover their unique communication style. Based in Oxford but teaching globally, I bring practical techniques that work in real-world situations—not just theory from a textbook.