How to Practice a Speech or Presentation

Summary

In this video, Alex Lyon shares five effective tips on how to practice a speech to improve public speaking. These tips include practicing from an outline to keep the conversation natural, spreading out practice sessions over time to reduce stress, focusing on one or two areas of improvement at a time, simulating realistic distractions during practice, and visualizing the first and last 30 seconds of the presentation. He also offers additional resources, including a free PDF and a course designed to help individuals become top-tier speakers. These strategies aim to boost confidence and composure when presenting.

Takeaways

• 😀 Practice from an outline, not word-for-word notes, to sound conversational and avoid sounding like a robot.
• 😀 Spread out your practice sessions over multiple days instead of cramming all at once. Aim for three practice sessions per day over three days.
• 😀 Focus on one or two specific improvements each time you practice, rather than trying to fix everything at once.
• 😀 Keep practice sessions realistic by introducing distractions to simulate real-world conditions, such as background noise.
• 😀 Visualize the first and last 30 seconds of your presentation to enhance your performance, just like athletes visualize their plays.
• 😀 Use a bulleted outline of key points to maintain flexibility while presenting, so you don't get stuck on memorized lines.
• 😀 Spread out practice sessions to allow time for your brain to process and refine your speech during downtime.
• 😀 Gradually build confidence by practicing over time, which helps you stay composed and ready for any challenges.
• 😀 Avoid isolating yourself completely during practice. Embrace real-world disruptions so you're prepared for unexpected situations.
• 😀 Consider using visualization techniques, such as picturing yourself walking up to the stage and finishing strong, to improve your overall presentation skills.

Q & A

Why is it important to practice a speech from an outline rather than memorizing it word-for-word?

Practicing from an outline ensures that you sound more conversational and natural. It prevents you from sounding robotic or like you're reading from a script. An outline gives you the freedom to adapt while keeping you focused on your main points.

How does spreading out practice sessions over several days help improve performance?

Spreading out practice sessions helps to reduce stress, allows your brain to process the material over time, and creates muscle memory. Practicing over multiple days also gives you time to reflect and improve between sessions, resulting in a calmer and more confident delivery.

What is the benefit of focusing on one or two improvements during each practice session?

Focusing on one or two specific improvements per session prevents overwhelm and paralysis. It allows you to work on individual aspects of your performance, such as eye contact or posture, ensuring each improvement is fully integrated before moving on to the next.

Why should practice sessions be kept realistic with distractions?

Keeping practice sessions realistic with distractions, such as background noise or interruptions, helps you prepare for real-life scenarios. It makes you less likely to be thrown off during your actual presentation when unexpected factors occur.

What does visualizing the first and last 30 seconds of your presentation do for your performance?

Visualization helps boost your confidence and performance. By picturing yourself starting and closing strong, you mentally rehearse the key moments of your presentation. Studies show that combining visualization with actual practice improves performance the most.

How can practicing multiple times in a day benefit your speech preparation?

Practicing multiple times in a day, spaced out over a few days, helps reinforce your speech without causing burnout. It allows for continuous improvement and ensures that each practice session feels fresh, helping you avoid monotony or over-familiarity.

What role do the tips shared in this video play in enhancing public speaking skills?

The tips shared in this video are designed to help individuals practice more effectively, making their presentations more natural, confident, and engaging. They provide a structured approach to practice that improves the speaker's ability to connect with the audience and deliver their message smoothly.

How does the concept of muscle memory apply to public speaking practice?

Muscle memory in public speaking refers to the physical and mental familiarity gained through repeated practice. By practicing your speech multiple times, your body and mind become more comfortable with the flow and delivery, which helps you stay composed during the actual presentation.

What is the significance of the free PDF and the 'Present Like a Pro' course mentioned at the end of the video?

The free PDF provides instant tips to help improve confidence and composure while speaking, offering valuable resources for beginners. The 'Present Like a Pro' course is a more comprehensive training designed to help individuals become top-tier public speakers in professional settings.

Why is it advised not to rely on cramming for a speech before the presentation?

Cramming right before a presentation can lead to stress and hinder your ability to perform well. Spreading practice sessions over several days reduces pressure and gives you time to internalize the material, ensuring you're more prepared and relaxed on the day of the presentation.