How to Practice a Speech

Summary

In this video, the speaker introduces the 3x3+1 method for practicing a speech, aimed at making speakers confident, concise, and compelling. The method involves three practice sessions per day, three days before the presentation, followed by a final practice on the day of the speech. The process focuses on internalizing the speech, reducing reliance on notes, and refining delivery with each session. It emphasizes preparation, rehearsal, and overcoming public speaking anxiety, with the added benefit of using Ovation, a virtual reality AI trainer, to enhance speaking skills. This approach helps speakers improve their public speaking performance and confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start practicing your speech three days before your presentation using the 3x3+1 method to build confidence and delivery.
• 😀 The 3x3+1 method involves practicing three times a day for three days before the speech, and one last time the morning of the presentation.
• 😀 On Day 1, focus on 'mumbling through' your outline, internalizing the content, and revising it without aiming for perfection or exact wording.
• 😀 On Day 2, perform a 'table read' of your speech, reducing your notes to bullet points and fragments, and practicing your delivery in a conversational tone.
• 😀 Day 2 requires you to visualize the speech and speak with emphasis, standing and gesturing as if presenting to an audience.
• 😀 On Day 3, refine your notes further, reduce them to keywords, and practice with your visual aids while focusing on reducing filler words and maintaining eye contact.
• 😀 During dress rehearsals on Day 3, wear the clothing you'll wear on presentation day and project your voice with full presentation volume.
• 😀 Aim to reduce your reliance on notes during practice, especially by Day 3, where you should only glance at them occasionally.
• 😀 Memorize key parts of your speech, such as the first and last sentences and your thesis statement, but keep the rest conversational.
• 😀 The final practice on the morning of your presentation (the +1) should serve as a quick refresher, focusing on key sections and keeping your confidence high.

Q & A

What is the 3x3+1 method for practicing a speech?

The 3x3+1 method is a practice strategy where you rehearse your speech three times a day, three days before your presentation, and then one final practice on the morning of the presentation. This method helps you internalize content, improve delivery, and build confidence.

What is the purpose of 'mumble reading' on Day 1?

The goal of mumble reading on Day 1 is to internally familiarize yourself with your speech's content. You speak through the outline quietly, revising and adjusting it slightly each time, without worrying about exact wording or delivery.

How should I handle mistakes during Day 2 practice?

On Day 2, if you make a mistake, don’t stop or restart the sentence. Instead, continue on, adapt, and move forward. This trains you to stay flexible and handle errors naturally during the actual presentation.

What’s the main objective of Day 2’s 'table read'?

The main objective of Day 2 is to refine your delivery by speaking at a higher volume, adding emphasis to key ideas, and gesturing naturally. You aim to sound conversational, not memorized, and glance at your notes less each time.

Why should you reduce your notes on Day 2?

Reducing your notes on Day 2 ensures that you’re not relying on them too much. The goal is to focus on speaking naturally, not reading or memorizing, and keeping the presentation conversational.

How can I ensure I stay within the time limit during practice?

Time yourself during each practice session to make sure you stay within your designated time limit. If you’re running over, revise your speech to make it more concise, and aim for a slightly shorter length than required.

What should I focus on during the 'dress rehearsal' on Day 3?

During Day 3’s dress rehearsal, focus on delivering your speech with the actual posture, gestures, and eye contact you plan to use. You should practice with the notes you’ll use on the day, and work on any specific areas where you need improvement in delivery, such as reducing filler words or increasing gestures.

What should I memorize word-for-word in my speech?

You should memorize key sentences, such as the first and last sentences of your speech, along with your thesis statement and the sentence that wraps up your introduction. These sentences should be rehearsed exactly, but everything else should be conversational.

What’s the purpose of writing your notes the morning of the presentation?

Rewriting your notes on the morning of the presentation is a way to refresh and solidify your confidence. This act helps to internalize the speech even further and makes the notes more of a safety net rather than a crutch.

What advice is given about using PowerPoint slides during the speech?

PowerPoint slides should not be used as speaking notes. They are visual aids for the audience, not tools to help you remember your speech. Avoid turning your back to the audience to look at slides.