The eight most frequent mistakes people make in front of an audience

Abstract

Purpose

Effective communication through public speaking is an essential skill for executives, and this article explains how to avoid the top eight mistakes that people make when in the spotlight.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the author's experience as an executive coach and former television news anchor, the article uses real‐life examples to illustrate the mis‐steps CEOs and other leaders have made in their public communications, and offers practical tips for how to avoid repeating these eight common mistakes.

Findings

The article presents practical ways to avoid eight common and preventable errors that leaders are apt to make in public speaking situations.

Practical implications

In addition to having business or technical skills, CEOs and other leaders must become masterful and effective communicators. This article explains how to avoid common errors in public speaking, and how to identify the lesson in every mistake. Effective communicators don't have to be perfect, but they must be prepared.

Originality/value

The article's value lies in its clear and practical tips that will help leaders handle the public speaking spotlight with confidence and success.

Citation

Bates, S. (2007), "The eight most frequent mistakes people make in front of an audience", Business Strategy Series, Vol. 8 No. 4, pp. 311-317. https://doi.org/10.1108/17515630710684367