Last week a client told me they were worried about rehearsing their current presentation beyond a certain level for fear of affecting their delivery, and they correctly identified the solution (I was extremely chuffed). Let’s be clear, I think that rehearsal is a very good thing, and the more of it you do the better, but (and it’s a but so big that Sir Mix-a-lot would definitely like it) you have to do it right. Here’s the incorrect process followed by the solution:
Stage 1 – you write the first draft of your piece (so far, so good).
Stage 2 – you rehearse it a few times, editing the material as you go (still good).
Stage 3 (the bad version) – you create a rigid script and attempt to learn it verbatim. See if you can spot the problem with that. That’s right, it’s a surefire route to a wooden, soul-sucking delivery which loses your audience immediately (boooooo). It’s how most people I see deliver their presentations, pitches and other prepared spoken communication. The best communication stands out because it lives and breathes.
Stage 3 (the correct version) – ensure that from this point onwards you change the spoken wording slightly each time, in order to keep the material fresh for you. This ensures a natural, conversational delivery (oh yes). This has the double whammy of taking the pressure off you and making you look authoritative. Good for you, good for them (that’s a ‘win-win’, I believe).
Communication should be organic, natural and evolving. Attempting to create something perfect removes vitality, flow, and its very soul.
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