The Art of Practicing Your Presentations: Why Winging It Won’t Work

Hey there, lady bosses! Today we’re diving into a topic that’s crucial for any businesswoman looking to make an impact: practicing your presentations.

Why Winging It Doesn’t Work

Let’s face it, winging it might work at Hooters, but it’s not going to cut it in the business world. We’ve all been there – you know your content inside out, you’ve got your slides ready, and you think you can just stand up and deliver. But here’s the thing: even if you know your material like the back of your hand, if you haven’t actually spoken it out loud before, chances are it’s not going to come out the way you hoped.

There are two types of “winging it”:

1. Never putting any thought into what you’re going to say

2. Preparing content but not practicing the delivery

Both of these approaches can lead to a less-than-stellar presentation. Even if you’ve prepared your content well, without practicing out loud, you might find yourself stumbling over words, using filler phrases, or losing your train of thought.

The Importance of Rehearsal

Rehearsing your presentation is absolutely key. Here’s why:

1. Increased confidence: When you’ve practiced, you’ll feel much more at ease when it’s time to present.

2. Polished delivery: Practice helps you eliminate awkward phrasing and filler words.

3. Better timing: You can ensure you’re hitting all your key points within the allotted time.

4. Improved body language: Rehearsing allows you to work on your physical presence and gestures.

5. Enhanced connection with the audience: When you’re not fumbling for words, you can focus on engaging with your listeners.

How to Practice Effectively

Here are some tips for rehearsing your presentations:

1. Record yourself: Use video or voice memos to review your performance.

2. Practice in front of a mirror: This helps you check your facial expressions and body language.

3. Time yourself: Make sure you’re staying within your allotted time frame.

4. Present to a friend or colleague: Get feedback from others.

5. Use your commute: Practice while driving (hands-free, of course!) or on public transport.

Don’t Confuse Rehearsal with Reading

While reading your presentation is better than complete improvisation, it’s not the ideal approach. Reading can disconnect you from your audience and limit your ability to use effective body language and facial expressions. The goal is to rehearse enough that you can deliver your content fluently while maintaining eye contact and engaging with your listeners.

Real-Life Examples

We’ve seen countless examples of the difference rehearsal can make. At a recent conference, we watched presenter after presenter struggle because they hadn’t practiced enough. Even experienced speakers can fall into this trap. On the flip side, when we rehearsed our own presentation before going on stage, we felt confident and delivered our message effectively.

Final Thoughts

Remember, practice doesn’t make perfect – it makes progress. You don’t need to aim for flawless delivery, but rather a confident, engaging presentation that connects with your audience and delivers your message clearly.

So, the next time you have a presentation coming up, whether it’s a 45-second elevator pitch or an hour-long keynote, make sure you’re putting in the time to practice out loud. Your future self (and your audience) will thank you!

Now go out there and show them what you’ve got, lady bosses!

Want more tips on creating effective presentations? Check out our episode 26, “Speak to Win,” for key elements in crafting a winning speech