At the bare minimum, you need to stand up and give your speech or presentation from start to finish at least five times. Anything less is asking for trouble.
Years ago, I worked with a Fortune 50 CEO who was giving his last speech before retiring. It was a big deal event with 500 or 600 people in the audience. Lots of publicity and media coverage. I'd seen him speak many times and he was always upbeat, at ease, conversational, and having a good time.
During the script phase, we met for a first read through. I was astounded. He was awful. He stumbled through the speech. He mispronounced words. But then he explained that he hadn't rehearsed yet. He told me about his iron-clad rule -- to rehearse at least five times with his wife as the audience. If his wife wasn't around, he spoke to the dog. These were full, standup reversals from start to finish.
Bear in mind that he was a veteran CEO of many decades who had given hundreds and hundreds of speeches. But he always rehearsed every speech. Sure enough, on the big night, he was great. In command and completely at ease.
If you think that five rehearsals is overkill, remember the actor Anthony Hopkins. He reads the script of a new play or movie 250 times. It's a rule he always follows. He arrives knowing his own lines -- and everybody else's.
The speaker who is somewhat unfamiliar with the content looks like a doofus to the audience.
Hi Pete,
It wasn't until I read this post that I remembered my unconscious rehearsal process. I always make sure that I rehearse a minimum of three times, more if I can. This stems all the way back to my days performing stand-up comedy and it's still something that I do know.
So thanks for reminding of what I've been doing for a while now.
Cheers,
Jason
Posted by: Jason Peck | January 24, 2008 at 06:09 AM