10 Things to Stop Doing in Your Next Public Speaking Opportunity

As an introvert, the idea of public speaking may fill you with dread. You‘ve likely been told that you‘re too quiet, reserved, or cerebral to succeed as a speaker. You may fear that you‘ll never have that "it" factor that so many extroverted speakers seem to exude effortlessly.

But here‘s the surprising truth: introverts can build their skills and confidence to become powerful, impactful public speakers. In fact, your natural strengths as an introvert—thoughtful preparation, deep listening, authentic connection—can help you stand out from the typical extroverted speaker. You don‘t need to become someone you‘re not in order to shine on stage.

As the author and introvert champion Susan Cain said in her now-famous TED Talk, "there‘s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas." Whether you‘re giving a presentation at work, a speech at a conference, or a TED Talk to a large audience, you can learn to craft your message in a way that‘s both comfortable and compelling.

The key is to focus on a few critical do‘s and don‘ts. Here are 10 common mistakes you‘ll want to avoid in your next public speaking opportunity, along with tips on what to do instead as an introvert:

1. DON‘T wing it. DO prepare obsessively.

One of the biggest myths about public speaking is that great speakers are born, not made. In reality, even the most polished presenters put extensive time and effort into preparing for each talk. And as an introvert, preparation is your secret weapon.

Embrace your natural inclination to analyze, research, and think deeply about your topic. Create detailed outlines, draft your script, and plan your slide deck well in advance. Practice your talk out loud repeatedly until you can deliver it comfortably and confidently.

Author Malcolm Gladwell popularized the idea that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at any skill. While you may not have that much time to devote to a single presentation, aim to put in at least 10 focused hours of prep for a 30-minute talk.

2. DON‘T memorize every word. DO master your key messages.

One of the biggest fears many speakers have is forgetting what to say on stage. But counterintuitively, trying to memorize your entire script word-for-word can actually make you more likely to blank out under pressure. Reciting a talk from memory can also make you sound robotic and inauthentic.

Instead of memorizing, focus on internalizing your core ideas and key messages. Develop a deep understanding of your content so that you can riff on it, explain it in multiple ways, and adapt on the fly if needed. Reduce your talk down to a few clear, concise points that you want the audience to remember.

Leading entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Reed Hastings, and Jeff Bezos are known for giving presentations without relying on scripts or teleprompters. They‘re able to speak off-the-cuff because they have such a strong grasp on their companies and industries. Strive to develop that same level of mastery with your own area of expertise.

3. DON‘T lean on your slides. DO use them strategically.

Introverts may be tempted to pack their slides with text and then simply read off them as a crutch. But slides crammed with bullet points make for a boring, forgettable presentation. Your slides should be a complement to your talk, not a replacement for it.

In fact, some of the most compelling speakers use very few slides, if any. TED Curator Chris Anderson explains that slides can actually distract and detach your audience from the core ideas you‘re trying to convey. Above all, your slides should be simple, visual, and easy to process.

Follow the 10/20/30 rule as a guidepost: use no more than 10 slides, spend no more than 20 minutes presenting, and use a font size of no less than 30 point. Keep the focus on you and your message, using slides sparingly to amplify key moments.

4. DON‘T speak to the crowd. DO connect one-on-one.

The bigger the audience, the more overwhelming it can feel for an introvert to address them from the stage. But rather than trying to speak to the whole room, imagine that you‘re having a series of one-on-one conversations.

Make eye contact with individuals in different sections of the room, holding it for a few seconds as if you‘re speaking directly to them. Smile, nod, and use inclusive language like "we" and "you." Think of your talk as an opportunity to build intimacy and trust with each person listening.

Research actually shows that great speakers are often seen as highly attractive by their audiences. It‘s not just about good looks—it‘s about charisma, warmth, and that sense of personal connection. When you speak as if you‘re confiding in a good friend, you draw your audience in and make them feel special.

5. DON‘T imitate extroverted speakers. DO cultivate quiet confidence.

It‘s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to be a gregarious, high-energy extrovert to succeed on stage. Many introverts try to copy the styles of outspoken, charismatic speakers and end up feeling exhausted and inauthentic as a result.

Remember that your introversion is a strength, not a weakness. Quiet speakers can command just as much power and authority as loud ones. Cultivate a sense of calm conviction, speaking slowly and intentionally. Embrace the pauses, using them to punctuate key ideas and give your audience a chance to absorb your message.

In her book Presence, Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy explains that compelling speakers exude both warmth and strength. They balance likability with an unshakeable confidence in their expertise. As an introvert, you can develop that quiet self-assurance that reads as both knowledgeable and genuine.

6. DON‘T neglect self-care. DO manage your energy wisely.

Public speaking can quickly deplete an introvert‘s energy reserves. Anticipatory anxiety, intense stimulation, and post-talk socializing can all contribute to feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. Many introverts berate themselves for feeling drained after speaking, seeing it as a sign of weakness.

But managing your energy is not selfish—it‘s strategic. Recognize and respect your natural limits, planning ahead so that you can show up as your best self on stage. Block off plenty of restorative alone time before and after your talk to alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

Get enough sleep, eat nourishing foods, and do activities that help you relax, whether that‘s meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature. Consider working with a therapist who can help you develop personalized coping strategies for anxiety. Treat yourself with compassion, knowing that it‘s okay to have different needs than an extrovert might.

7. DON‘T expect perfection. DO strive for connection.

One of the biggest fears holding introverts back from public speaking is the fear of making a mistake or being judged. You may have been told that you need to have an absolutely flawless, polished performance in order to win over an audience.

In truth, audiences are far more forgiving than you might think. They‘re not looking for a slick, scripted speech— they‘re looking for an authentic person who can teach them something meaningful. A minor slip-up or moment of nervousness will actually make you seem more relatable and real.

If you‘re not sure where to start, renowned speaker Les Brown advises, "You don‘t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great." Focus on making a genuine connection with your audience, not achieving perfection. Trust that your passion and knowledge are enough.

8. DON‘T avoid the spotlight. DO speak up and be seen.

Many introverts shy away from public speaking because they don‘t want to draw attention to themselves. You may feel more comfortable fading into the background, letting others take center stage while you make your contributions behind the scenes.

But sometimes, you need to get out of your own way and give yourself permission to be seen and heard. Public speaking is a powerful platform for sharing your ideas, making an impact, and advancing your career. Challenge yourself to speak up in meetings, volunteer for presentations, and submit proposals for conferences.

The more visibility you gain as a speaker, the more opportunities will come your way. You‘ll expand your network, establish your credibility, and open doors you never knew existed. As Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg says, "You have to take opportunities and make an opportunity fit for you, rather than the other way around."

9. DON‘T try to do it alone. DO build a support system.

Public speaking can feel like a solitary pursuit, especially for introverts who tend to tackle challenges independently. But you don‘t have to navigate this journey alone. Surround yourself with mentors, allies, and fellow introverted speakers who can offer guidance and encouragement.

Join a group like Toastmasters, where you can practice your skills in a low-pressure environment and get constructive feedback. Hire a speaking coach who understands the unique strengths and challenges of introverts. Attend conferences like the World Domination Summit, where you can connect with like-minded people and learn from world-class experts.

Remember, even the most successful speakers had to start somewhere. Billionaire Warren Buffett was terrified of public speaking as a young man and enrolled in a Dale Carnegie course to face his fears. Now in his 90s, Buffett is known for his witty, insightful annual shareholder presentations. If he can do it, you can too.

10. DON‘T doubt yourself. DO recognize your potential.

Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make as an introverted speaker is believing that you‘re somehow inadequate or incapable of success on stage. Don‘t let self-doubt hold you back from sharing your ideas with the world.

You have unique experiences, expertise, and insights that people need to hear. Your introversion gives you superpowers—keen observation skills, profound empathy, independent thinking. Channel those strengths into your speaking, knowing that you have immense value to offer.

Imagine the transformation you could spark, the lives you could change, the legacy you could leave. Public speaking is so much bigger than just you—it‘s about serving your audience and making a difference. When you shift the focus from your own fears to the impact you can have, everything becomes possible.

As you continue honing your speaking skills, celebrate each milestone along the way. Pat yourself on the back when you nail a presentation or receive positive feedback. Savor those moments when you‘re able to connect deeply with an audience or inspire someone to take action.

Keep stretching beyond your comfort zone, knowing that growth and confidence come from continually challenging yourself. With time and practice, you may even find that public speaking becomes one of your greatest passions and most fulfilling pursuits.

Conclusion

Introversion is not a handicap to overcome—it‘s a secret weapon to harness. By embracing your natural strengths and avoiding these common pitfalls, you can become a powerful, impactful public speaker in a way that feels authentic to you.

You don‘t need to be loud, extroverted, or flawless to succeed on stage. You simply need to be prepared, passionate, and purposeful in your message. Focus on serving your audience, connecting human-to-human, and letting your ideas shine through.

With each talk you give, you‘ll chip away at outdated stereotypes about what a great speaker looks and sounds like. You‘ll expand people‘s assumptions about what‘s possible for introverts. You‘ll inspire others to face their own fears and raise their own voices.

As an introvert, you have a perspective and presence the world needs more of on stage. So speak up, stand out, and know that you‘re capable of delivering the talk of a lifetime. The stage is yours—go claim it.