Practice is essential
 
“The rehearsal is the place to take risks and to find out how far you can go. You must consider it is the safest place for you to push yourself and make a fool of yourself. Practice and prepare for the rehearsal before you arrive. Don’t come to the rehearsal and start doing your homework.”

-Michael Hurst, Actor Lord of The Rings

A rehearsal is the place to experiment. It’s the creative process: a time to take risks.  A rehearsal is an opportunity to try out ideas, test yourself and seek feedback. A satisfactory rehearsal gives you a sense of confidence and makes you feel positive about your up- coming speech or presentation. For many, the rehearsal is a new concept especially when it comes to business pitches or presentations. But every speech deserves a rehearsal even if it’s a simple five-minute presentation because it is a reflection on you. If you are careless and ambivalent you will be unmemorable.
 
It’s important to rehearse until you get it right. No cutting corners, no tricks, no winging it on the day. Even the most experienced and high profile presenters rehearse.  Here are some tips I’ve developed that will help you run a great rehearsal and ultimately a great presentation.
 
TIPS ON running a great rehearsal
 

• Commit. Manage your calendar well in advance. Allow for at least four rehearsals. 
• Preparation. Know your content. Do your research.
• Appoint a rehearsal director to take responsibility for running the rehearsal.
• Attitude. Bring your positive energy into the rehearsal room.
• Be open to honest feedback on delivery as well as on the content.
• Appoint someone to film the entire rehearsal and play it back so you can learn from the process.
• Wear the clothing you are going to wear for the presentation at a full dress rehearsal and get feedback from someone you trust.
• Technology. If using YouTube clips, PowerPoint or video conferencing – rehearse well in advance and check the technology works.
• Rehearse in front of a small audience. Invite friends, family and work colleagues.
• Time your speech so it becomes a habit.
• Set up the room. Have at least one rehearsal in the actual venue if you can. Otherwise set up the room, as it will be on the day.
• Concentrate and focus throughout the rehearsal and put other commitments out of your mind.

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