Are you losing opportunities simply because you didn’t rehearse enough?
Too often, I see talented professionals meticulously crafting their presentation slides, pouring hours into making every word, image, and bullet point perfect... only to breeze through the out-loud rehearsal as if it’s just an afterthought.
Here's the challenge: content is far from being the most important element of your delivered message. Your impact as a speaker is built on what you say AND how you say it.
Consider this: Imagine you're pitching a big idea to your team. You've got the facts, the data, and compelling visuals. But if your delivery is shaky, hesitant, or unclear, what impression does that leave?
How likely are you to get that 'yes' you are seeking? An idea presented without confidence rarely gets the buy-in it deserves.
Why does rehearsal matter so much?
Mehrabian’s Communication Model highlights that 55% of communication is non-verbal—our body language, gestures, and presence. These elements come alive in rehearsal and support your ideas, allowing your audience to decide if they believe in them and you.
A study from Harvard Business Review found that professionals who spent 30% or more of their preparation time rehearsing out loud were rated as significantly more confident and persuasive.
Having worked with hundreds of clients, the number one reason they lack confidence is due to lack of preparation. It is about allocating time and leveraging a proven planning process to save time and be clear in your messaging.
Still skeptical? Some say, “But I don’t want to sound rehearsed” or “I’m better off the cuff.” I get it. But there's a huge difference between sounding rehearsed and being rehearsed. Practicing out loud doesn’t make you robotic—it makes you free. You can focus on your audience, not your nerves because you've already laid the groundwork.
Pro Tip: If time’s tight, just running through the introduction and conclusion a few times out loud can make a massive difference. It’s all about building that muscle memory so you start strong, creating a favourable first impression, followed by a strong conclusion, leaving a lasting last impression.
The benefits of rehearsing out loud (and ideally with a coach who can enhance your confidence and engagement) are endless:
It builds confidence by eliminating the unknowns.
It allows you to refine your tone, pacing, and body language.
It’s the difference between knowing your content and owning your message.
So, let me ask you:
How much time do you spend rehearsing out loud? Could allocating more of your prep time to delivery change your impact?
I’d love to hear about your rehearsal habits.
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