Laziness or lack of time are not the only reasons for which we are trying to avoid practicing our speeches. Another common reason is the fear of the bad news we could learn about ourselves and our presentation skills. In this case, you should ask this question: Isn't it better to make a fool of yourself during rehearsals than in front of the real audience?
Stand up
When we sit, we have less energy and also a less resonant voice because sitting crowds our diaphragm. Therefore, always practice your speech in a standing position even if you finally sit in a panel discussion or present your speech via a teleconference. Standing will help you practice movement in space as well so that you could feel more natural.
Speak aloud
If you do not rehearse your speech aloud, you will not find out how you pronounce difficult words, whether you do not speak too fast or too quiet, or how much nervous you are when speaking.
Practice without text
Learn to speak without text, use only a short list of keywords. Your goal is to speak naturally. When you read your text to the audience or recite it by heart, you will not look naturally at all.
Practice in a similar environment
In a perfect world, you would have a chance to practice your speech in the actual setting. However, this is not always possible. Try, therefore, to find as similar place as possible - auditorium, conference room, office, etc. Work with the tools you will work with at the actual presentation - from a podium to technical devices.
Record yourself
People are often scared of finding out how they look like in a video or sound on an audio recording. However, audio and video recordings of your rehearsals provide a very useful help. You will clearly see what needs to be improved. Or do you want others to see you like this?
Invite a test audience
Ask your colleagues or family members to see your speech and comment on both its content and form. Choose people who will not be afraid to express their true opinion.
Try a coach
Find a coach focused on the development of presentation skills who can help you face-to-face.
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