It feels great when you’ve finished creating a presentation. Indeed, many presenters feel so satisfied that they do nothing else until it’s time to speak. But to prepare thoroughly, you must also rehearse what you’re going to say and get yourself ready mentally so you’re both polished and relaxed.
Rehearsing your content
It’s tough to identify all the holes, dull spots, and excessive details in your presentation just by reviewing your notes and slides. You need to assess how your presentation will look and sound to other people.
The best way to do that is to practice before a test audience. If you can, rehearse in front of a group of colleagues or friends. Try to include people who are similar to your real audience in terms of their roles, assumptions, perspectives, and expertise (see “Know Your Audience” earlier in this book). Interact with the test audience as you would with your actual audience.
Of course, time and other constraints may not permit you to rehearse with a live group. In that case, play back an audio or video recording of yourself: You’ll find flaws you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. Even practicing aloud in front of a mirror gives you the chance to hear your own voice and see how you’re coming across—though it’s hard to deliver your talk and assess yourself at the same time, so it’s no substitute for live feedback or a recording.
Other tips to remember as you rehearse:
• Practice with the equipment you’re planning to use.
• Use visual aids to reinforce your message, not to speak for you.
• Know your content well so you won’t have your nose in your notes, but don’t script yourself word for word—it’ll sound memorized.
• Rehearse the entire presentation to see how it all hangs together.
• Use an expressive, conversational voice.
• Avoid jargon and other terms your audience may not know.
• Articulate responses to questions that people are likely to ask you. Focus on your tone.
• Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen during the presentation?” Prepare for that possibility by mapping out how you’ll move past it.
• Practice in the same room where you’ll present, if that venue is available.
Preparing yourself mentally
Rehearsing your talk is one thing; putting yourself in the right state of mind before the curtain opens is another—and just as important. To win the mental game, try these techniques right before the presentation:
• Visualize yourself giving a successful presentation.
• Repeat positive statements to yourself, such as “I am relaxed and ready.”
• Use deep-breathing and tension-relieving exercises to reduce stress.
• Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and professional.
• Accept nervousness as natural. Don’t try to counteract it with food, caffeine, drugs, or alcohol.
• Interact with audience members as they come into the room.