Are you practising your public speaking?
Why Great Speakers Practise (and Practise Correctly)
Public speaking is often seen as a talent—some are naturally gifted, while others struggle. But the truth is, all great speakers are also great practitioners. Their confidence and polish don’t come from innate ability alone but from dedicated, thoughtful rehearsals.
Yet, many aspiring speakers misunderstand what effective practice looks like. Running through your speech once or twice and hoping for the best is not enough. Real practice involves multiple rehearsals, feedback, refinement, and a structured approach to improvement.
In this post, we’ll explore why proper practice is the key to successful public speaking, how it transforms your confidence, and the practical methods you can use to sharpen your delivery. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced speaker aiming for mastery, these techniques will help you hone your craft.
The Three Big Benefits of Practising Public Speaking
Before we dive into techniques, let’s understand the core reasons why thorough practice is indispensable:
It Highlights Your Biggest Flaws
Have you ever watched a playback of yourself speaking and cringed at an unexpected habit—maybe you overuse filler words like "um" and "like" or constantly shift your weight from foot to foot?
Practising multiple times exposes quirks you might not even be aware of. Maybe your speech is too technical, or you ramble on certain points. Recognising these issues early allows you to correct them before stepping onto the stage.
It Helps You Improve Content Delivery
A speech isn’t just about words—it’s about how those words land on the audience. During rehearsals, you might realise:
A section is too data-heavy.
You’re missing an important example.
Your argument needs restructuring for clarity.
Great speeches evolve with practice, as speakers tweak their material based on how it sounds out loud rather than just how it looks on paper.
It Builds Comfort and Confidence
Stage fright is common, but repetition normalises speaking in front of an audience. The more you practise, the more familiar the act becomes, reducing anxiety and allowing you to focus on delivering rather than just surviving the experience.
While nerves never fully disappear, they become manageable, allowing you to present with greater authority.
How to Practise Effectively: Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing why practice matters is one thing; implementing a structured practice routine is another. Here’s how to make every rehearsal count:
1. Mimic Real-Life Conditions
The closer your practice conditions are to the real thing, the better prepared you’ll be.
Rehearse in the actual room where you'll be speaking. If that’s not possible, imagine it as vividly as possible while practising.
Stand where you’ll stand and move as you would during the real speech.
If using slides or a microphone, practise with them in real time.
2. Eliminate Distractions
Find a quiet space and dedicate uninterrupted time to rehearsing.
Turn off your phone, ask not to be disturbed, and avoid multitasking.
Focus purely on speaking and refining your performance.
3. Practise with an Audience
Speaking alone in front of a mirror is helpful, but real growth comes from performing in front of people.
Gather a few trusted colleagues, friends, or mentors to watch and provide honest feedback.
If you struggle with nerves, start with one or two people and gradually build up to larger audiences.
4. Record and Review Yourself
Video recording is one of the most powerful tools for self-improvement.
Watch yourself objectively—note your body language, vocal tone, and areas that feel awkward.
Ask yourself:
Did I look confident and engaging?
Were there any distracting gestures or nervous habits?
Was my message clear and compelling?
5. Incorporate Feedback and Iterate
After each practice session, tweak and refine your speech.
Ask your practice audience for constructive feedback. Specific questions to ask include:
What was my strongest part?
Where did I lose your attention?
Was there anything unclear or repetitive?
6. Space Out Your Practice Sessions
Don’t cram all your rehearsals into one day. Space them out over a week or two to reinforce learning and muscle memory.
The ideal approach? At least five full rehearsals, each incorporating feedback and adjustments.
7. Mental Rehearsal: The Secret Weapon
Before you sleep or during quiet moments, close your eyes and visualise yourself delivering your speech flawlessly.
Picture the audience engaged, hear your voice projecting with confidence, and feel yourself at ease.
Mental rehearsal strengthens neural pathways and makes the actual performance feel more natural.
Final Thought: Turn Your Fear into Fuel
Many people avoid public speaking because they fear embarrassment, but fear is a sign of growth. The best speakers weren’t born confident—they became confident through deliberate practice.
Your voice matters. Your ideas deserve to be heard. But mastery doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when you commit to improving, one speech at a time.
If you’re ready to accelerate your progress, personalised coaching can make all the difference. I offer tailored coaching that helps speakers like you refine their delivery, master their nerves, and communicate with authority.
🔹 Get in touch today for a free consultation and start transforming your speaking skills!
Your audience is waiting—will you be ready?
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