The Speaker Awards took place in London, UK, last week. This year I was Head Judge, and proudly presented some awards and hosted a quick-fire ‘Ask The Expert’ session. The topic I chose to explore with my fellow speakers: “How to Rehearse Like A Pro”
The advice I’m sharing here is relevant to anyone who needs to give a presentation, talk, wedding speech, or any other kind of performance. Rehearsal is ALWAYS the key to success.
Just as the boxing match is won in the gym, a talk succeeds through rehearsals.
I used to think rehearsing was the boring bit just before a talk. It was often rushed through on a train or at the hotel, and it was always a chore. Then, after a so-so talk, I realised how unprofessionally I was rehearsing, and everything changed for me.
This is the diagram I shared at the Speaker Summit. It shows key steps in my process:
I start rehearsing on the very first briefing call with the client, testing lines or content I think might work. I brain dump ideas immediately after the call and rehearse the flow. I sleep on ideas to let them mature in my mind. I do a rough draft, then practise aloud while walking outdoors with headphones on. I repeat, repeat, repeat, refining as I go. Then, when I know I’m ready, I stop. Over-rehearsing is as damaging as under-rehearsing. Then, on the big day, I enjoy giving my talk, make notes immediately afterwards, and give myself until 10am the following day to think about what I did badly or well. Lessons learned, I then go again…
Rehearsing should be more than a last-minute panic.
You never want to wing it (from the theatrical term used to describe an actor frantically memorising their lines while waiting to go on-stage from the wings).
If you’d like to know more about my process or put me through the rehearsal wringer ahead of *your* next event or conference, get in touch 🙂