The Top 10 Fatal Flaws Frequently
Found from the Podium

Be a speaker of influence, not control or guilt. With the privilege of the platform comes the awesome responsibility of motivating and influencing your audience to feel/think/act differently.



  1. No clear purpose for the presentation. What is the point and focus of the speech?

  2. Not starting and stopping on time. Be flexible and be able to cut the talk short if asked. Be in control.

  3. Not dressing appropriately. Always be a step above the audience. If it's business casual, be a little dressier than casual.

  4. Not knowing the audience. Make sure you know what the audience expects.

  5. Not checking out your room. A/V equipment and seating for any potential problems. Give yourself enough time to make the room right for you.

  6. Not having good platform skills. Knowing your subject is not enough. You must have the ability to excite the audience and keep their interest.

  7. Not having rapport with the audience. Not doing your research to find out what really interests them. You will know that magic moment when the audience is nodding with approval.

  8. Not knowing when to stop. Too much information can not be absorbed by the audience.

  9. Not having enough information. The talk should have substance and knowledge of the client's business.

  10. Not being sensitive to the audience. Do not use ethnic stories or off color remarks. Politics and religion should be avoided unless you are a member of the clergy.
Find out how to take your speaking to the next level by purchasing one of our programs. PDF handouts and twenty minutes of coaching with Sandra are included with several products. schrift.com/shopping.html

POINT: The effectiveness of a talk is whether the audience enjoyed it and found it useful. Did the talk influence their behavior positively and productively once they returned to their jobs?

Welcome to my collection of Top 10 lists. You may use this Top 10 List as long as you include the following contact information:

"Written by Coach Sandra Schrift - a career telecoach to emerging and experienced speakers who want to get to the next level in their profession. Visit her on the web at: schrift.com to learn more about her Speakers University teleclasses. And, be sure to sign up for her great newsletter - Monday Morning Mindfulness!" Phone: 619-688-9467 or email Sandra@schrift.com