14 Apr Rehearsal techniques

We never advocate people “wing it” when it comes to practicing their presentations. But if you over-rehearse, or always do it the same way, you can sound canned and memorized.

Here are some tips. First, devise an outline as opposed to writing out every word. We don’t speak the way we write.

Then, mix up the wording and phrasing just slightly each time you rehearse. That way, you’re not locking the presentation into memory one way, and it will sound fresh when you deliver it. You may also find you like one way more than the other.

Next, don’t always start at the beginning. If you do, what will typically happen is the middle and end of your talk won’t receive the attention they deserve.

And finally, rehearse as a character as different from you as possible. Be an over-the-top diva, an alien, or a motorcycle chick. The idea is to be loose and have fun with your material. What are some of your favorite rehearsal techniques?