Fisheries Extension Education (2+1)

Don'ts in public Speaking

1. Don't cover too many points - be brief- especially learners should speak not more than two or three minutes. Don't under estimate 2 or 3 minutes duration.
2. Don't speak beyond your-allotted time.
3. Don't say anything that does not carry the mark of your conviction.
4. Don't start with an irrelevant joke or story. Too many presenters turn out to be entertaining but the audience is left wonder what was the message? While presenting jokes speaker himself should not laugh. Allow the people to enjoy. But you can smile. While people enjoy your speech say by laughing or clapping, don't speak continuously please wait for few seconds let them finish it.
5. Avoid distracting mannerism like scratching your nose, putting your hand near your face, playing with shirt buttons, rotating the hand watch etc.
6. Don't exhibit your nervousness. Don't worry about being nervous.
7. Don't apologies for your shortcomings and limitations except as good manners require, for example, for lateness. If this is necessary, be convincingly brief.
8. Don't use a lot of unnatural gesture. They will probably look foolish and point less to the audience
9. Don't memorise or read a speech script. Use your key cards for reference.
10. Don't repeat the same words or phrases each time you give the presentation, the ideal are the same and your choice of words will be free and natural.
11. Don't come to the stage with dirty dress i.e. don't come dressed for the field.
12. Don't speak too loudly. Don't stand Very close to microphone. Don't hold or touch or knock the mike. If you like to check it, do by making a simple blow of air.
13. Don't talk down to the audience, people are smarter than we give them credit for.
14. Don't be little the introduction you were given by the local man who introduced you.
15. Don't play down a member of the audience, you do yourself more damage than the one you are trying to hurt. This is especially important to remember when questions are being asked. Try not to get angry or provoked, or if you do, try not to express it. Avoid being pedantic.
16. Don't go late. Reach the meeting place well in advance so that you can avoid tension, you need not loose your balance.
17. Avoid distributing handouts or supplying tea and biscuits or any drinks when someone is delivering his speech. This may distract the audience attention from the speaker.