Introduction
I’ve watched people drift off during speeches. Perth events, nice setup, everything in place—but the speaker loses the room. It’s quiet, but not the good kind. Eyes drop. Phones come out. You can feel it. Bad public speakers don’t always know it’s happening. But the audience knows.
I’m Nathan Baws. I’ve spoken at small dinners and big halls. Some talks stay with people. Some don’t. I’ve seen both. Here are five things that tend to go wrong. Avoid them, and your event has a better chance of landing well.
Key Takeaways:
- Bad public speakers dampen events, but you can avoid their errors.
- A skilled speaker makes any Perth gathering unforgettable.
- Nathan Baws crafts talks that skip these traps for your audience.
Botching the Message with Fuzzy Delivery
Rushing Like a Racecar
Bad public speakers zip through their words, leaving listeners in the dust. At a Perth community night, a speedy speaker confused 240 guests who couldn’t keep up. Slow down, speak clearly, and let every word hit home, especially for big crowds.
Tossing in Big Words
Some bad public speakers use fancy lingo or tech terms, tripping up the crowd. Plain talk works better for all, from kids to bosses. At a Subiaco meeting, a jargon-heavy speech lost 150 folks. Stick to simple words to keep your Perth audience with you.
Meandering Without a Map
A jumbled talk marks bad public speakers. Without a clear start, middle, and end, people zone out. At a Fremantle fair, a speaker’s messy yarn bored 320 attendees. Plan a straightforward path—open strong, share key bits, and close tight—to hold attention.
Skimping on Practice
Bad public speakers wing it, stumbling over words. A rehearsed toast at a Scarborough wedding warmed 110 hearts because it flowed smooth and true. Run through your speech a few times to sound like you’re chatting with mates, keeping your Perth crowd hooked.
Shying Away from Confidence
Quaking in Their Boots
A wobbly voice or twitchy hands scream bad public speakers, shaking the crowd’s trust. At a Joondalup school event, a nervous speaker lost 190 kids’ focus in minutes. Stand tall, take a deep breath, and prep well to show confidence that grabs the room.
Stalling at Surprises
Bad public speakers freeze when things go sideways, like a heckler or a dodgy mic. At a Northbridge art show, a speaker stopped dead when the sound cut, irking 260 guests. Stay cool, toss in a light quip, and push on to keep the crowd engaged.
Moving Like a Mannequin
Slouching or stiff gestures push folks away, a trait of bad public speakers. At a Claremont fundraiser, a speaker’s hunched stance distanced 140 donors. Use open hands and steady eyes to make your Perth crowd feel like you’re talking just to them.
Sounding Wishy-Washy
Hesitant delivery makes bad public speakers seem unsure, weakening their point. At a Perth business lunch, a shaky speaker failed to rally 160 clients. Speak with firm belief, backed by practice, to earn trust and make your words stick.
Missing the Spark of Charm
Dragging with a Dull Tone
A flat, droning voice defines bad public speakers, killing the event’s buzz. At a Perth charity run, a lifeless speech dulled 410 runners’ excitement. Mix up your tone, add some zip, and keep the crowd lively and tuned in.
Forgetting a Chuckle
Bad public speakers skip laughs, leaving talks dry as the outback. A quick joke lifts spirits. At a Leederville community night, a humorless speaker bored 95 folks. Drop in a fun nod to Perth’s beach life to loosen up your crowd and keep them smiling.
Skipping Perth’s Vibe
Generic talks from bad public speakers miss Perth’s unique flavor, like its love for markets or sunsets. At a Fremantle festival, a bland speech lost 310 people. Weave in local bits to make your talk feel like a yarn with Perth mates.
Coming Off Stiff
Charm needs heart, which bad public speakers often lack. At a Subiaco seminar, a robotic delivery pushed away 170 professionals. Share a true story, like a Perth moment, to connect warmly and make your talk feel real, not rehearsed.
Sticking to a Stiff Script
Reading Like a Textbook
Bad public speakers cling to their notes, ignoring the crowd’s mood. At a Burswood music night, a rigid talk clashed with 620 festive guests. Watch the audience’s vibe and tweak your tone—upbeat or calm—to keep your talk fresh and alive.
Recycling Old Speeches
Using the same talk everywhere is a slip-up bad public speakers make. At a Swan Valley retreat, a generic speech bored 130 executives. Shape your message to fit the event, whether it’s a wedding or a work gig, to hit the right notes.
Missing Mixed Crowds
Perth events draw all sorts—kids, families, pros. bad public speakers don’t adjust for variety. At a Northbridge market, a narrow talk lost 400 shoppers. Use broad stories or questions to grab everyone, young and old, in your Perth crowd.
Not Pivoting Fast
Sudden changes, like a venue switch, stump bad public speakers. At a Cottesloe wedding, rain moved things indoors, but the speaker’s same-old talk felt off for 135 guests. Be ready to shift gears to keep your crowd smiling, no matter what.

Failing to Tug Heartstrings
Not Getting the Crowd
Bad public speakers miss what moves their audience, leading to cold talks. At a Perth fundraiser, a speaker’s disconnect left 250 guests unmoved. Learn what matters, like Perth’s community pride, to make your talk hit home and spark action.
Skipping True Stories
Without real tales, bad public speakers fail to bond. At a Leederville reunion, a flat speech distanced 100 guests. Share a personal moment, like a Perth memory, to build trust and create emotional ties with your audience.
Missing Faces in the Crowd
Bad public speakers ignore audience reactions, losing chances to connect. At a Subiaco conference, a speaker missed thoughtful looks from 210 attendees, skipping deeper impact. Watch faces and adjust your pace to make your message sink in.
Acting Cold
Showing care matters, but bad public speakers seem distant. At a Fremantle talk, a stiff delivery left 280 guests detached. Show warmth by nodding to Perth’s community spirit, making your talk feel like a friendly chat with every listener.
Skimping on Homework
Fumbling the Speech
Weak prep defines bad public speakers, causing stumbles. At a Claremont corporate event, a speaker’s uncertainty annoyed 150 clients. Learn your talk inside out to deliver with confidence and keep your Perth crowd locked in.
Not Knowing the Crowd
Bad public speakers skip learning about their audience, missing ways to connect. At a Northbridge fair, a generic talk didn’t click with 360 locals. Dig into Perth’s laid-back culture to tailor your message and make it resonate.
Dodging Practice
Unrehearsed talks lead to awkward pauses, a mark of bad public speakers. At a Joondalup school event, hesitations bored 200 kids. Run through your speech to nail pacing and tone, keeping your talk smooth and engaging.
Forgetting a Clear Path
A messy talk confuses, a mistake bad public speakers make. At a Scarborough festival, a jumbled speech lost 500 guests. Plan a clear flow—start, middle, end—to guide your audience through your message without losing them.
Conclusion
Bad public speakers can make a room go quiet for all the wrong reasons. A hesitant voice, poor timing, or simply not reading the room—these things matter. You’ve probably seen it happen: a speech starts, but people check their phones. That’s exactly what I work to avoid. At Nathan Baws, I approach each event differently. I ask questions. I listen. Then I shape what I’ll say based on who’s in front of me.
If your event matters to you, and you want a speaker who doesn’t overdo it, but knows how to hold a room—reach out: https://nathanbaws.com.
Also Read: 10 Unorthodox Growth Hacks That Helped Me Thrive After Shark Tank
FAQs
What slip-ups do bad public speakers make?
Bad public speakers fumble with unclear words, no confidence, dull delivery, rigid style, and weak prep. A skilled speaker skips these for a great talk.
How do I steer clear of bad public speakers at my event?
Pick a speaker with clear delivery and crowd know-how. Visit https://nathanbaws.com/ to book a pro for your Perth event.
Why does clear delivery matter for a speaker?
Fuzzy speech, a flaw of bad public speakers, loses the crowd. Clear words keep your Perth audience tuned in and connected.
How does confidence lift a speaker?
Shaky confidence, a trait of bad public speakers, breaks trust. A confident speaker grabs attention and inspires at your event.
Can bad public speakers spoil small events?
Yes, bad public speakers can dull any gathering. A skilled speaker makes even small Perth events pop with energy.
Why is charm key for speakers?
Without spark, bad public speakers bore folks. A lively tone and light humor keep Perth crowds smiling and engaged.
How does emotional connection lift a talk?
Cold delivery marks bad public speakers, missing bonds. Warm, relatable talks hit home with Perth audiences.
Why is prep crucial for a speaker?
Weak prep leads to bad public speakers who stumble. Solid practice ensures a smooth, confident talk for your event.
Can a speaker fix these slip-ups?
Bad public speakers can improve with effort and feedback. For a perfect talk, book a pro at https://nathanbaws.com/.
Where can I find a top speaker in Perth?
Skip bad public speakers by booking me at https://nathanbaws.com/. I deliver tailored talks to make your Perth event shine.