It’s always a challenge to weed out our distracting mannerisms. Sometimes it’s a gesture. Or a phrase. And sometimes it’s a facial expression.
Last week, I saw an experienced speaker who would poke his tongue out at his audience! It was very natural – he probably didn’t realize that he was even doing it – but after I noticed it, I couldn’t help but chuckle whenever he did it again. And again. And again!!!
Mannerisms come from all sorts of places. Sometimes they are big; sometimes they are small. Sometimes it can be an expression of nervousness. We pick them up from our friends, family and famous figures. I have had some mannerisms that I originally used deliberately, but then they became so habitual that they grew out of control!
Look out for these mannerisms. They allow your audience to focus on your style that they forget what you say.
One of the easiest ways to identify these mannerisms is to watch yourself on video. Preferably with some supportive friends – who can point them out and help you find better ways of expressing yourself.
CAT has our Peer Mentoring sessions – where you get together with a few other experienced speakers and help each other get better. But whatever your level of speaking, look to help your audience get your message better by eliminating your mannerisms.
