Summary: In public speaking should you apologise if things aren't going to plan? TRANSCRIPT: Have you ever heard a speaker take to the stage and immediately start apologising. Sorry I’m a bit late. I apologise if some of the slides are out of order I had to rush. I’m sorry if I stumble I’m very nervous. An apology sets a negative tone that will spread around the room and sets you up as the victim. and nobody wants to be lectured to by someone who portrays themselves as a victim. What to do instead: Start on a positive upbeat note, as if nothing is wrong. even if behind the scenes there is a problem This communicates that you're cool under pressure--the opposite of being a victim. Don’t apologise if you leave out some information chances are your audience will have no idea and you can always go back and add that information later. If you stumble just press on - an apology just draws attention to you mistake. Unless you need to correct a fact or number, there is no point dwelling on errors that probably only you noticed. and definitely don’t apologise for something that is totally out of your control.. A jet flies over head drowning out your voice - not your fault - why say sorry? Better to make light of it with a touch of humour “I learned never to try to compete with an angry Jumbo jet” and move on. There are exceptions to every rule and if you have to apologise do it decisively and quickly move on. People come to listen to positive, motivated and informational speakers - don’t let an apology riddled talk dilute your impact.
