When it comes to properly rehearsing your game-changing presentation, thinking about rehearsing is no substitute for doing it.

“It usually takes me two or three days to prepare an impromptu speech.”
~ Mark Twain

Introduction

What do we mean by Gearing Up for Game Day?

It involves giving yourself every opportunity to deliver the best presentation your audience has ever witnessed by preparing well in advance.

Try as we might, we can never control everything that can influence the success of our presentation.

All we can be is present, prepared, passionate and precise to deliver the best performance possible – just as on the golf course, tennis court, or the rink.

There will be always last minute unexpected things that happen. So, I am sharing these guidelines to help you eliminate those situations to the best of your ability.

I invite you to master these five tips that will help ensure your presentation is the best it can be.

TIP ONE – Know what’s expected

Be very clear about the nature of your audience and what they are expecting from you – even before you agree to speak. ALSO ASK YOURSELF:

Do you really want the speaking engagement?
Why this event is important to you?
What you want to accomplish when you face your audience and the purpose of your presentation or speech?

TIP TWO – Prepare well in advance

Gearing Up for Game Day should ideally begin weeks or even months before the event.

Estimate how many hours it will take you to fully prepare your speech and DOUBLE THAT ESTIMATE before you set up a detailed preparation schedule.

Let’s assume you have one month to prepare your presentation.

TIP THREE – Prepare physically, as well as mentally

Understand that physical preparation is just as vital to your success as mental preparation.

Be rested, nourished and alert.
If possible, exercise on the day of the event to get your oxygen flowing and energy up.
Do some breathing exercises immediately before you start (backstage) to get grounded and focused.

TIP FOUR – Be concise

A CONCISE presentation trumps a lavish one laden with too much information.

To “hold” your audience throughout your presentation, you need to continuously engage them through eye contact and open body language.
PowerPoint can create a wall between you and your audience. Use it sparingly and only when you have a message or schematic that would be time consuming to describe.
For most presentations, there is an adage that the more senior the audience, the less appropriate it is to use PowerPoint. This is because senior management teams are often more interested in the “must know” information and themes you can provide in a conversation with them, versus through a detailed PowerPoint presentation.

TIP FIVE – Practice makes perfect (or as close to perfection as you can get)

You may think you know your material, but unless you present it in its entirety to one or two people in a full rehearsal, you may be unpleasantly surprised. Thinking about it is no substitute for doing it.
A couple of practice runs let you get comfortable with your pace, and know exactly where you want to emphasize key points
Rehearsing also lets you time your speech properly so you aren’t rushed or worse, you run out of material 20 minutes early.
Just as golfers and other athletes have their pre-game rituals, many effective speakers begin to get into the “zone” in advance of the event
There are no right or wrong strategies when it comes to mental and physical preparation that results in an effective presentation.

For example, you may perform best when you include a certain pair of shoes or shirt or blouse – or find time for a nap on the day of your presentation. In the N.B.A., LeBron James swears by his siesta. Derrick Rose sleeps three hours before every night game. And even the dynamic Kobe Bryant checks into a hotel before home games for his pregame nap and complete peace and quiet.

“Organize, don’t agonize.”
~ Nancy Pelosi

What do you do to prepare for a big presentation or meeting? I’d love to hear what works for you.