I have heard people say, “If practice makes perfect, and no one is perfect, then why practice?” Although funny and cute, nothing could be farther from the truth. Great speakers, politicians and preachers practice what their words and style. The difference between average and great is in their practice technique.
I once told my wife that I could speak on ANY topic for 5 – 10 minutes. She challenged me with the topic: changes in women’s clothes. She stopped me after 3 minutes (combination her boredom and my success).
When you practice speaking, you get used to doing it. You’re not perfect, but you improve. Perfection is unobtainable. Getting better is within everyone’s reach. When you start practicing, remember these rules:
- Magic Number – I tell my clients to practice their presentations IN THEIR ENTIRETY 3 times. Practicing too much and they start to get nervous. Too few and they don’t know the material enough.
- Yes, That Counts – What you wear, room layout and visual aid type all matter even when practicing. Get as close to game day materials as possible. Feel like you will that day.
- Who’s In Your Wallet – Ask people you respect to listen and give specific feedback. “Great” and “Pretty good” aren’t specific enough. “Were the visual aids clear?” Ask a very direct person. You don’t want nice; you want honest.
The goal is to improve comfort with what you are saying; not to be perfect. If something changes at the last minute, and you are ready, it will not shake you.
Vince Lombardi said, “Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” Well, at least you will be better than you were before.
Scientifically Speaking, of course.
Want more information: Click on Toastmasters.org.
Next Week: Style vs. Substance (Thanks, Mom)
