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Rehearsal is the most effective way to develop your presentation performance. But so many speakers neglect it and prefer to ‘win-it’ on the day. Why is this?
This article explores the reasons why we often avoid rehearsal and give top tips for effective presentation rehearsal.
What is presentation rehearsal?
First up, let’s check that we all understand what we mean by presentation rehearsal.
Presentation rehearsal is the practice of preparing for a presentation by running through your material in advance. It’s an opportunity to refine your content, build confidence, and identify areas to adjust before presenting to an actual audience.
By rehearsing, you gain a comfortable familiarity with your talking points, allowing you to deliver your message smoothly and connect more genuinely with your listeners. It also helps in managing timing, enhancing delivery, and reducing any last-minute nerves, so you feel well-prepared and ready to make a strong impression.
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Why do many speakers choose not to rehearse?
Rehearsal is time-consuming. In the modern world time is tight for many speakers. They judge the reward of having that bit of extra time greater than the risk of making an error or appearing unprofessional if they do not rehearse.
Rehearsal highlights weaknesses. Many of us do not like to have our weaknesses highlighted as this creates lots more negative feelings and thoughts. Speakers therefore often want to avoid rehearsing (and they forget that avoiding rehearsing may actually lead to an even bigger error on the day when they are presenting for real!)
Rehearsal simulates a potentially uncomfortable experience. For nervous speakers, rehearsal time is a reminder of an upcoming, nerve-wracking presentation. Avoiding rehearsal means avoiding thinking about it. This feels like a positive in the short term.
Why do many speakers choose not to rehearse?
Rehearsal is time-consuming. In the modern world time is tight for many speakers. They judge the reward of having that bit of extra time greater than the risk of making an error or appearing unprofessional if they do not rehearse.
Rehearsal highlights weaknesses. Many of us do not like to have our weaknesses highlighted as this creates lots more negative feelings and thoughts. Speakers therefore often want to avoid rehearsing (and they forget that avoiding rehearsing may actually lead to an even bigger error on the day when they are presenting for real!)
Rehearsal simulates a potentially uncomfortable experience. For nervous speakers, rehearsal time is a reminder of an upcoming, nerve-wracking presentation. Avoiding rehearsal means avoiding thinking about it. This feels like a positive in the short term.
What is the best way to rehearse a presentation?
Make time to rehearse
Mentally rehearse
Rehearse aloud
Rehearse on camera
Make it realistic
Ask for feedback
Want more great public speaking insight, tips and techniques?
This is just a small part of our treasure chest of public speaking tips and advice. You can find more resources and insight like this one on our downloadable public speaking resources page.
Who is a great example of effective presentation rehearsal?
Steve Jobs was the King of Rehearsal, refining his performances through thousands of deliberate and focused rehearsals.
Check out any of Steve Jobs' Apple product launch keynotes as great examples of effective presentation rehearsal paying-off.
