Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect, But It Definitely Helps
By: A Staff Writer
Updated on: Sep 02, 2024
Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect, But It Definitely Helps
Like any skill, you won’t be amazing your first time on stage (and that’s ok!). Consistent practice is how you improve.
We procrastinate on practicing, then the fear snowballs making it even worse in the moment.
- Record yourself: It’s brutal at first, but reveals the “ums” and pacing issues you might not even be aware of.
- Small audiences first: Speak to a supportive friend group before tackling a room full of strangers.
- It’s ok to use notes: Glancing down to get back on track is better than total brain freeze.
- Memorize your opening and closing: Strong start builds confidence, graceful ending leaves a good final impression.
- Breathe: Seriously, a simple pause to take a deep breath calms nerves, and gives the audience a micro-break too.
- Get feedback you can USE: “You were great!” is nice, but “That story at minute 15 lost me” is how you get better.
What’s your go-to nervous habit when speaking (fidgeting, talking too fast, etc.)?
Stand in front of a mirror and practice introducing yourself the way you want to be introduced at an event.