Tip No. 19: Preparation is Key to Public Speaking Success

“90% of how well the talk will go is determined before the speaker steps on the platform.” ~ Somers White

The No. 1 predictor of how well your speech or business presentation goes will be how well you prepare for it. In public speaking, there is no substitute for preparation.

Early in the preparation process, I like to close my eyes and try to imagine every little detail about the event. Where will I be before coming to the stage? What does the stage look like? Is there a podium? Who will introduce me? What will the audience be wearing? Where will they be sitting? What’s the lighting like? Will I have a microphone? Where will my laptop be? Is there a place to put my water? And so on, and so on.

It may sound a little odd, and maybe others do it differently, but for me, imagining every detail helps me to uncover things I’ve overlooked that I can add to my checklist and resolve ahead of time. It helps me feel more comfortable about the whole event and how it will unfold. It is like doing a dress rehearsal in your head!

Here are links to related posts that have tons of tips to help you prepare:

Tip No. 17: Know Your Audience

Tip No. 11: Speak with a Microphone; Practice with a Microphone

Tip No. 9: Be the Host, Not the Guest

Tip No. 8: Preparation Helps Reduce Fear

Tip No. 7: Develop a Thesis

Tip No. 4: When Does a Speech Begin?

Tip No. 1: How to Speak Without Notes