28/03/2026
Boring speeches - we have all suffered at least a few. The speaker is an expert, an authority figure, a leader, but it's just so hard to pay attention. The audience starts talking, a few people leave, and the energy is low. This is what happens when a speaker lack's the skill to hold attention.
But as a speaker, you don't just want polite faces… and drifting minds. You want an engaged and attentive audience!
So, why do people lose attention and how do we prevent that?
1. Your content misses them
You’re explaining what you know…
not what they care about.
Solution: Stay relevant - study your audience before you speak. And don't overload them. Just share 3-4 main points.
2. Your tone is flat
You sound like you’re presenting slides,
not speaking to people.
Solution: Vocal variety! Use pitch, rhythm and pauses as you speak!
3. You rush
Speed does not mean skillful. People find it hard to process.
Solution: Don't speak to fast. Polished speakers never sound like they're in a hurry. And don
4. You don’t involve them
No questions. No fun. No reason to stay engaged.
Solution: Sprinkle questions throughout your presentation. Plan surprises in your speech. Get your audience to physically do something - move, raise their hands, look up something on their phones etc.
When you do this, people will change how they perceive you as a speaker!
