If you’re like many busy business professionals, you’re rushing to finish your presentation slides at the last minute and definitely don’t have time to practice your delivery.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the problem…
Your slides may be logical, comprehensive, and beautifully designed.
But if you’re nervous, tongue-tied, and using weak body language, your reputation and results are at risk.
Here are 3 ways to save time practicing presentations. Less effort, more impact!
1. Rehearse at the venue (if you can) to ease nerves
Find out where you’ll be presenting – the meeting room or stage.
If you can run through your presentation there in advance, your subconscious will become familiar with the environment and you’re less likely to feel nervous or go blank.
If you’re speaking at a seminar or conference, for example, it’s ideal if you can get up on the stage and practice before people come into the room.
This will help you to ease your nerves and ultimately save time.
2. Bring parts of your presentation into conversations with colleagues
Most likely, the topic of your presentation is one that you have experience or expertise in.
That means you probably talk about it from time to time with colleagues or friends, right?
So, use those conversations as opportunities to practice.
This doesn’t have to be in a formal presentation rehearsal. Just be aware of what you’re saying, how you’re saying it, and how others are responding.
This will help you to refine your delivery and speak more smoothly and confidently. And the best part is that it doesn’t require any extra time.
3. Practice in your mind
My favorite technique for practicing presentations is to rehearse in my head while I’m doing something else that doesn’t require conscious thinking.
For example, when I’m in the bath or shower or doing the dishes, I’m often visualizing an upcoming presentation.
Visualization is a popular and effective technique used by top athletes around the world and it works well for presentations too.
If you find it difficult to “see” an image of you giving your presentation, imagine what it sounds like or feels like. Do what works for you!
Watch me walk my talk in this 3-minute video.
Did you know that just 12 simple phrases can help you give clearer, more confident English presentations?
