The Essence of Practice: Elevating Your Public Speaking Skills

Kia ora! I often get told ‘Gosh – you’re just so natural as a speaker……’ The reality is that I’ve spent thousands of hours preparing the content and stories that I share and the key to making storytelling or public speaking look effortless is one simple game-changer in public speaking – practice. It’s the secret ingredient that transforms good speakers into great ones. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting out, understanding the importance of practice is key to captivating your audience.

Practice: The Backbone of Confidence

The more you practice, the more confident you become. It’s as simple as that. Practising your speech helps you internalise your content, making it feel like second nature. This confidence shines through when you’re on stage and makes a world of difference in how you connect with your audience.

Tailoring Your Content

Practicing isn’t just about repeating your speech. It’s about refining and tailoring your content to fit your audience. I personally am never satisfied with my first draft. I will re-work content several times before I get to the rehearsal stage and will still keep tweaking and improving right up until the last minute. Your content is not set in stone. Think of it as a living, breathing entity and every new audience is an opportunity to learn, evolve, tweak and grow.

The Art of Delivery

Delivery is everything. Practice how you use your voice – the tone, pace, and volume. Play around with different styles of delivery to find what best suits your personality and message.

Overcoming Stage Fright

One of the biggest benefits of practice is overcoming stage fright. The more familiar you are with your material, the less intimidating the stage feels. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or rehearse in front of friends or colleagues to build your confidence.

Making It Perfect

Remember, practice makes perfect. Every great speaker you admire has spent countless hours practicing. It’s this dedication to practice that sets them apart. Embrace the process and enjoy the journey of becoming a better speaker.

Adapting to Feedback

Use practice sessions to adapt to feedback. Sometimes I film content purely so I can watch my own delivery, critique my energy, my voice and non verbal communication. Constructive criticism is a treasure trove of insights, whether you’re receiving it from others or approaching your own content as an objective outsider. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to enhance your speech.

Conclusion

In the realm of public speaking, practice isn’t just a routine; it’s a ritual. It’s the bridge between having a message and delivering it powerfully. So, embrace the essence of practice, refine your skills, and watch as your public speaking transforms from good to great! And if you’re not sure where to get started reach out!