Manifesto #6

I believe the only way to become a better speaker is with practice and preparation.

Many books and blog posts offering tips and tricks have been written on how to become a better speaker. But if you break down these “tips and tricks” you will see that in some way they have their roots in “practice” or “preparation”… eliminate filler words (practice your speech and these will go away), listen to yourself speak (record practice sessions and prepare to change things you don’t like), monitor your speed (practice and prepare speech timing), listen to other speakers (this is all about preparing to be the best), address your weaknesses (practice makes perfect), make eye contact with the audience (practice your prepared speech so you will not need notes), etc, etc, etc.

Nothing beats practice and preparation… good old-fashioned blood, sweat and tears kind of stuff. I actually think that you could insert almost any noun in place of “speaker” in this manifesto and it would hold true. Let’s try it…

I believe the only way to become a better (athlete, actor, doctor, lawyer, friend, lover, parent, teacher, etc.) is with practice and preparation.

Think about a professional athlete for a moment. She spends all “off-season” running and lifting, preparing her body for the riggers of the “season”, where she will often wake up before dawn to get a workout in before heading off to “practice”.

Think about a medical doctor now. He spends 4 years as an undergrad, 4 years in med school and another 4 years in residency. All these years of “preparation” just so he can start his own “practice”.

In Steven Pressfield’s book, “Turning Pro: Tap Your Inner Power and Create Your Life's Work” he talks about the importance of “practice” to turning pro. He says that “practice” has a time, a place, and an intention. It’s this simple, consistent preparation, or routine that enables you to let quality do its thing. He defines it as “a rigorous, prescribed regimen with the intention of elevating the mind and the spirit to a higher level.”

However, there are times when the game plan that you practiced all week must be thrown out the window. Sticking to sports metaphors, sometimes the coach must implement a “take what the defense is giving” strategy. Occasionally you will need to improvise on the spot and completely change your pick-and-roll for a high-low triangle offense. A professional is ready for every possible situation. There is no substitution for being prepared. However, if you haven’t practiced other plays or prepared alternative strategies you would be dead in the water, or what Pressfield may have identified as being an amateur.

Stop being an amateur speaker… get yourself a coach today!

Message me for a complimentary 30-minute Effective Communication Strategy Session (via Zoom or phone), where we will:

? Develop clear goals

? Determine what’s holding you back

? Outline a 3-step road "MAP" that will make you the best possible presenter you can be

Get out of your comfort zone, reach new levels of communication effectiveness and start speaking like the corporate leader you are!!

#publicspeakingtips #publicspeaking #communication #leadership