SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-remove-distracting-mannerisms

How can a speaker discover distracting nervous habits?

Practice for a friend and ask the friend to watch for them.

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  1. Add more random gestures
  2. Practice with an observer ✔
  3. Avoid rehearsing completely

Why: Speakers may not notice their own fidgeting or key jingling. A practice observer can identify habits that pull attention away from the message.

Huh, didn't know that: Natural gestures should match the speaker's meaning and personality.

The dad joke
Why did the keys leave the speech? Their jingling was too distracting.
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References

Answer: Practice with an observer. Speakers may not notice their own fidgeting or key jingling. A practice observer can identify habits that pull attention away from the message.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 3 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/L2LVolume_3__LOW_FINAL_4_MAY_13CC68236BDFE.pdf
    Have a friend watch as you practice to look for nervous expressions such as fidgeting
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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