Final answer:
One of the common mistakes students make when giving their first speech is speaking too quickly. Managing speech rate, volume, and pitch is important for clear and effective communication. Balancing these aspects can significantly improve speech delivery and audience engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
A common mistake students make when giving their first speech is d) Speaking too quickly. This occurs when the rate of speech is too fast, leading to difficulties for the audience in understanding and processing the information being presented. Managing speech rate is crucial for clarity and to ensure that the audience can follow along. Alongside rate, volume and pitch are also important - speaking too softly can be as problematic as speaking too quickly, and varying pitch can enhance the delivery of the speech. Good speakers aim for balance and clarity in their delivery to maintain audience engagement.