Common JAM Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #5: Repetition Without Adding Value

The Problem:
You keep saying the same thing: “Social media is bad for mental health. Mental health is affected by social media. The impact on mental health is significant due to social media…”

Why it kills scores: Repetition is explicitly forbidden in JAM rules. It suggests you’ve run out of ideas.​

Why it happens:

• Running out of prepared content
  
• Nervous habit (repeating for emphasis)
  
• Lack of diverse examples and perspectives
  

The Fix:

• Pre-plan 3-4 distinct points before speaking
  
• Use synonyms instead of repeating words: “affects” → “influences,” “impacts,” “determines”
  
• Each sentence should introduce new information
  
• If you’ve made your point, move forward
  

Mistake #6: Grammatical Errors and Poor Language

The Problem:
“The social media are affecting peoples mental health in a very big way because of how the peoples are using it.”

Why it matters: Grammar and language quality signal education level and professionalism.​

Why it happens:

• Speaking faster than thinking
  
• Not reviewing basic grammar rules
  
• Translating mentally from your mother tongue
  
• Nervousness affecting speech clarity
  

The Fix:

• Practice subject-verb agreement daily
  
• Be conscious of articles (a/an/the)
  
• Use simple, correct sentences instead of complex, incorrect ones
  
• If unsure about a structure, use simpler alternatives
  
• Example: Instead of “If I would have known,” say “If I had known”
  

Mistake #7: Lack of Examples or Evidence

The Problem:
“Time management is important. It helps you achieve goals. Everyone should do it.”

Why it fails: Vague, unsupported statements don’t impress.

• Insufficient content preparation
  
• Relying on general knowledge instead of specific examples
  
• Not understanding what constitutes good evidence
  

The Fix:

• Include 2-3 specific examples per speech
  
• Use data: “Studies show…”, “Research indicates…”, “Statistically…”
  
• Reference real people or companies
  
• Mix personal examples with universal observations
  
• Example fix: “Time management is important. For instance, studies show that professionals who time-block complete 40% more meaningful work. I personally increased my productivity by implementing a 90-minute focus block system.”
  

Mistake #8: No Clear Opening or Closing

The Problem:
You start: “Well, so, like, I’m going to talk about education…”
You end: “So yeah, that’s basically it. I think education is important.”

Why it fails: Weak openings lose evaluators. Weak closings leave bad final impressions.​

Why it happens:

• Nervousness causing stammering
  
• Not planning first and last sentences
  
• Focusing only on middle content
  

The Fix:

• Write down (don’t memorize—just know) your opening sentence
  
• Practice it until it sounds natural
  
• Same for closing sentence
  
• Use the opening frameworks: statistic, question, personal connection, story, or contrarian statement
  
• Use closing frameworks: summary, future outlook, personal reflection, call to action
  

Mistake #9: Monotone Delivery (No Voice Modulation)

The Problem:
Your speech has the same pitch, volume, and tone throughout. It sounds robotic and boring: “Society faces challenges from technology. People use technology daily. Technology changes how we work. Technology affects society globally.”

Why it fails: Even great content sounds dull without vocal variety.​

Why it happens:

• Nervousness causing tension in vocal cords
  
• Lack of awareness about voice modulation
  
• Reading rather than conversing
  

The Fix:

• Practice varying pitch for emphasis
• Change volume to show passion or importance
• Modify tone based on content (serious for problems, optimistic for solutions)
  
• Practice the content until you can speak naturally rather than reading
  

Mistake #10: Unclear Pronunciation

The Problem:
“Enviroment,” “Technolgy,” “Devlopment,” slurred or mumbled words

Why it fails: If the evaluator can’t understand your words, your content is irrelevant.​

Why it happens:

• Speaking too fast
  
• Not articulating clearly
  
• Not knowing correct pronunciation
  
• Mumbling with closed lips
  

The Fix:

• Speak slower to ensure clarity (not chronologically slower, but articulation slower)
  
• Open your mouth more when speaking
  
• Practice tongue twisters: “Red lorry yellow lorry”
  
• Check pronunciation of difficult words before speaking
  
• Mirror practice to see your mouth movements
  

Mistake #11: Going Off on Tangents

The Problem:
Topic: “Importance of Education”
Your speech: “Education is important. My school is great. My principal is amazing. We have a big playground. My friends are in my class. We learn many subjects…”

Why it fails: Every sentence should support your main message. Tangential information dilutes impact.​

Why it happens:

• Speaking randomly instead of following a structure
  
• Using the first example that comes to mind
  
• Lack of mental framework
  

The Fix:

• Use STAR or three-point structure
  
• Before each sentence ask: “Does this support my main message?”
  
• Focus on quality over quantity
  
• Example: “Education is important because it develops critical thinking, provides career opportunities, and builds confident citizens. For instance, educated individuals make better-informed decisions affecting themselves and society.”
  

Mistake #12: Ending with Questions to the Audience

The Problem:
“So in conclusion, don’t you think technology is important? What do you all think about social media?”

Why it fails: JAM is about your ability to speak authoritatively, not solicit opinions.​

Why it happens:

• Nervousness causing you to deflect
  
• Misunderstanding the purpose
  
• Trying to engage but doing it incorrectly

The Fix:

• End with statements, not questions
  
• Close with conviction: “Therefore, education must remain a priority”
  
• Use these endings: summary, call to action, future vision, or personal insight
  

Mistake #13: Apologizing or Acknowledging Mistakes During Speech

The Problem:
“Wait, I mispronounced that… Actually, let me start over… I’m sorry, I meant to say…”

Why it fails: Apologizing highlights your mistakes and breaks flow. Evaluators might not have noticed otherwise.​

Why it happens:

• Perfectionism and self-criticism
  
• Lack of confidence
  
• Nervousness triggering self-doubt
  

The Fix:

• Continue speaking regardless of mistakes
  
• One mispronunciation is overlooked; multiple apologies draw attention to errors
  
• Use the word correctly later in your speech
  
• Maintain confidence
  

Mistake #14: Running Out of Content Before 60 Seconds

The Problem:
At 40 seconds, you’ve said everything you planned. You either go silent or start repeating.

Why it fails: JAM requires sustained speech. Silence signals you’re unprepared.​

Why it happens:

• Insufficient content preparation
  
• Speaking too fast
  
• Poor time management
  

The Fix:

• Pre-plan more content than you think you’ll need
  
• Build your content repository (50+ examples and statistics)
  
• Learn expansion techniques: adding examples, exploring different perspectives, discussing implications
  
• Practice timing to understand your natural pace
  

Mistake #15: Showing Nervousness Physically

The Problem:
Your hands shake, your voice quivers, your eyes dart nervously. You’re obviously terrified.

Why it fails: Physical nervousness undermines everything you say. It signals lack of confidence.​

Why it happens:

• Genuine anxiety and stress response
  
• Lack of practice in high-pressure situations
  
• Negative self-talk
  

The Fix:

• Practice grounding techniques: feet firmly on ground, hands at sides or on table
  
• Use power posing 2 minutes before JAM
  
• Practice with mock audiences to reduce novelty
  
• Deep breathing exercises
  
• Remember: The evaluator wants you to succeed
  

Mistake #16: Not Making Eye Contact

The Problem:
You look at the ground, the ceiling, or your hands—anywhere except the evaluator.

Why it fails: Eye contact signals confidence and engagement. Avoiding it suggests dishonesty or fear.​

Why it happens:

• Nervousness and discomfort
  
• Trying to remember content
  
• Habit from childhood (being told not to be rude by staring
  

The Fix:

• Maintain 70-80% eye contact with the evaluator
  
• If multiple evaluators, alternate between them
  
• Practice with friends until eye contact feels natural
  
• Remember: Eye contact demonstrates confidence and truthfulness