A corporate leader, wanting to grow into the next level of presenting, asks her coach how she should think about her rehearsal time in order to get the most out of it.
Don’t rehearse to memorize and recite. Instead, imagine yourself as the ski guide in Tom’s analogy. Own the mountain and you’ll only need to remember the banners.
Tom’s six tools for supercharging your rehearsals:
- Imagine that “sounding rehearsed” means knowing your material so well you can say it any number of ways.Rehearse in chunks. Don’t rehearse to repeat and recite. Rehearse with the intention of saying it differently from your last rehearsal. Build muscle.Commit to rehearsal time. Put it on your calendar. Make it part of your work.Be sure you know how long you’re expected to speak. Then rehearse with a watch and make sure you keep your side of the agreement.Drill your opening until you can do it without thinking. It will allow you to start strong.Explain your ideas. Why is this idea important? Why are you telling it to us? Your answers may help clarify ideas.
Two PDFs from our tools bin can help improve your rehearsals:
Before You Write Your Presentation and Sorting & Labeling
If you’re looking to deepen your presentation skills, three categories in the podcast library have episodes that will help:
Communication Skills
Executive Presence
Presentation Skills
Five specific episodes you might listen to are:
#137Executive Presenting
#230How to Command a Room
#254How to Talk So People Understand You (This is Sorting & Labeling!)
#214How to Turn Data into Stories
#160Prepping like a TED Talker
If you’re ready to explore coaching, reach out to Tom here.
Our monthly email always has additional resources.
You can read a transcript of the episode here.
Thank you all for being in touch. You are the BEST!
From all of us here at The Look & Sound of Leadership, all our gratitude.
See you all next month!