10 Steps for Practicing A Speech
Posted in Communication
If you’re like me, when preparing to speak, the temptation is to read through the outline a couple of times and figure I’m all set for the delivery. Unfortunately, this rarely works. If I don’t practice my speech aloud, several times, I’m not going to do my best when giving the speech.
There is a gulf between knowing how to deliver a speech and actually doing it. The only way to convert the theory into actual is through practice. It takes considerable practice to be spontaneous. Good speeches are a matter of habit, and habits are formed through repetition.
With good practice habits, you can be confident that your are delivering everything you want your audience to receive.
Here is a plan for practicing your speech:
- First, read through your speech silently several times. This is not practicing the delivery, but will help you check for problems of organization and will familiarize you with the material.
- Next, practice your speech aloud with your notes and/or outline. There is no substitute for standing and practicing out loud. Use your notes and visual aids, practicing your gestures and eye movements. Stand in front of a full-length mirror, placed at the distance your audience will be from you.
- An important point: time your speech during each step of the practice process. The length of your presentation is critical. If your speech is too long, or too short, you may not meet audience expectations and damage your credibility. Make any adjustments needed to the length of your speech.
- For your first few practice sessions, stick to your outline until you are sure of the main points and their order. Constantly review the presentation to make sure:
- the points are ordered well
- the material is detailed enough
- you express the ideas in the best possible way
- the words you use are appropriate to the topic.
- After practicing the entire speech all the way through, divide it into parts and practice major sections: the introduction, main points and the closing.
- Record your speech while practicing. Listen to the recording to get feedback on your vocal delivery. Take note of: the enunciation and pronunciation of your words. Listen for appropriate phrasing, pauses, stress, pitch, and volume. Repeat this session as often as needed to gain confidence.
- When you are reasonably comfortable with the speech and your delivery, put down your written speech and practice from memory. Even if you are using notes when you speak, practicing without them will strengthen the speech in your memory. I would caution against memorizing the speech as this generally leads to a stiff, unnatural delivery, similar to reading a speech.
- When you are comfortable with your speech, practice in front an “audience” of friends or family. Ask them for feedback on your delivery. Practice your eye contact and gestures.
- Practice using your visual aids with all the needed equipment: especially computer hardware and software. Make sure everything works and that you have a backup plan in case something fails at the last minute.
- Practice your speech as often as you can.
Keep in mind, the more time you invest in preparation, the better your delivery will be. If you have practiced until you feel comfortable with your speech and can picture yourself giving an effective speech, you should feel enthusiastic and confident.
Related Posts:
Top 5 Posts for March 2008
How to write an elevator speech
9 Key Steps for Preparing a Speech
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
I discovered that practicing your speech aloud does wonders in your presentation at a very early age. Back in high school, the teachers often gave us assigned reports. I would compose my own bit and read through them and actually practice as if I were already in class. The result was that I became much more confident and was able to deliver well.