Photo courtesy of Alessio Lin/Unsplash

I had a student once who didn’t like to do the assigned “prepare a three minute presentation” homework. His philosophy was that he was already pretty good at public speaking, and he felt that he was a better speaker when he just stood up, opened his mouth, and started winging it. Although he did have a good voice and was personable, his not preparing and practicing a presentation led him to ramble his way through a talk.

Each week when it was his turn to present, I wondered how surprised we would all be. And yes, just when I thought I knew what his topic was, he would veer off in another direction.

That’s why one of the first lessons my students learn is HOW to practice.

• Practice LOTS. Then practice some more.
• Practice out loud. Reading notes or (worse) a manuscript over and over again gives a false sense of security. Studies have shown that even though you feel you know the material by constant re-reading, it’s just not true. It has only become familiar, not learned. That works for studying a subject or practicing presentation skills. Also, saying words in your head is not the same as saying them out loud. When I myself practice by talking out loud, sometimes I’ll find that I stumble across the same word each time. That means I need to find a substitute word.
• Practice while standing up, using natural movement and gestures. Don’t script in hand gestures; let them flow from you naturally. Movement can occur at times of transition in your speech or when you’re actually demonstrating an action (The irate customer strode through the door.) I caution against wandering around like a lost sheep, because there is no public speaking good shepherd who will rescue you. Wandering aimlessly around a stage detracts from a presentation. Move on purpose.
• Practice while actually using whatever visual aids (electronic or otherwise) you’ll be using during your presentation. That means if you’ll be doing a demonstration, physically DO the demo during practice. If you’re using a flip chart, have it and your markers ready and take action. I know that MANY (too many!) people use PowerPoint for every single presentation they do. The problem is that most people use PowerPoint incorrectly, and in fact, in ways that Microsoft didn’t originally intend. Here are two excellent online resources about the topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwpi1Lm6dFo and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjcO2ExtHso&t=75s
• Some instructors recommend practicing in front of a mirror. I’m not a fan of that as I find I’m too self-conscious. Find a friendly audience (family, neighbors, co-workers) who will give you honest feedback. Sleeping babies don’t count.
• Practice again just before bedtime the night before your presentation and then again soon after you wake up the day of the event.

Hall-of-fame quarterback Johnny Unitas was noted as once saying, “Football games are won or lost in practice.” It’s the same with public speaking.

To my readers: Have you ever witnessed a presentation where it was obvious the presenter had not practiced?