Five Insights To Master The Most Misunderstood Part Of Public Speaking

“Practice makes perfect!”

You’ve heard it this countless times. It’s an admirable goal.

But when it comes to public speaking, perfection isn’t the objective — impact is. Many speakers think practice is about memorizing their words, yet the most powerful practice sessions are those that prioritize audience outcomes over perfect lines.

So how do we shift from practicing for perfection to rehearsing for impact?

Here are five key strategies:

1. "Practice How You Play"

Think about athletes: they practice with game-day intensity, in real-world conditions. Apply this to your speaking.

Rehearse in the space you’ll be speaking, or recreate it as closely as possible. If you’re giving a virtual presentation, practice in front of your computer to get familiar with screen placement, lighting, and eye contact with the camera.

Dress the way you’ll dress the day of your talk; rehearse at the same time of day as your scheduled presentation.

You can’t recreate the audience, but you can create other conditions that will simulate the actual speaking experience.

Do this, and your brain and body will feel comfortable with the setting when you do stand up and speak for real. It reduces surprises and builds your confidence to own the room (or screen).

2. Intentional Movement – Define Your Speaking Zones

Speaker who aimlessly pace are moving without purpose; this distracts from your message.

Instead, identify specific sections of the stage or speaking area for each part of your story.

Assigning “zones” can help you deliver with clarity and keep your audience’s attention focused on the message, not on your movements.

Practicing this way also makes rehearsals more structured; it enables you to internalize your presentation. When you assign specific parts of the narrative to specific areas on stage, you’ll know what to say when you’re standing in those areas.

3. Embrace the Camera - Record Yourself

Yes, recording yourself can feel uncomfortable. (Who really wants to watch themselves?)

But here’s the hard truth, as my good friend and world champion speaker Darren LaCroix says: “You don’t like to watch yourself on video? That’s too bad.

“Guess what? WE had to watch you!”

When you see yourself on camera, you gain insights you won’t otherwise pick up —? unintentional gestures, distracting tics, and powerful moments you might not realize you’re creating.

Watching yourself helps you refine your delivery, and hear your message from a different perspective. It also brings clarity to feedback from others and makes it more relevant and actionable.

4. Rehearse to Connect, Not Just Speak

Practice isn’t just about delivering your lines; it’s about tuning into your audience’s energy and reactions.

When you rehearse, anticipate the moments when they might laugh, lean in, or pause to absorb an idea. Leave space in your speech for these reactions, so you can respond naturally in real-time. This transforms your presentation into a dialogue rather than a boring monologue.

When you repeatedly practice, you internalize the flow of your message until it becomes second nature. This frees you to focus less on recalling your words and more on connecting with your audience—reading their reactions and adjusting to the emotional atmosphere of the room.

5. Use Feedback Loops, Not Echo Chambers

Lastly, if you can, rehearse in front of someone who can give you honest, constructive feedback. Practicing alone can create an echo chamber where you miss opportunities for improvement. Feedback from others—whether it’s about your body language, tone, or clarity—helps you see how you’re perceived. It’s the difference between feeling prepared and being prepared.

Shift your perspective from “practice makes perfect” to “practice for impact.” Do this and you’ll notice a transformation — in your delivery and your connection with your audience. Don’t just focus on what you will say. Consider what your audience will experience.

Need help with preparing your next presentation?

Schedule time to talk with me to give you more insights: https://calendly.com/speakingcpr/30-minute-call

#speaking #storytelling #sales #leadership #virtualpresentations