Public Speaking 911 Blog

Have a speaking engagement coming up? Remember, dress rehearsals are important. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• If at all possible, go to the venue a day ahead or several hours before your presentation to familiarize yourself with the surroundings.
• If there is a podium, stand in front of it and test the height. You don’t want any surprises the day of your speech. Make a note of any adjustments that will need to be made.
• Check out any equipment you might need.
• Do a complete run-though with any visual aids you may have created.
• Do a run-through of the entire speech and record your voice while doing so. This would give you an idea of how long it may run. The recording will also reveal if you need to slow down your pace, or vary your voice to make things interesting.
• Have a stiff drink.

What?! How’d that one get in there? Just kidding. In actuality, you want to make sure you don’t over-do it with the alcohol. Sure, a little glass of wine at dinner might help you relax. But, you don’t want to drink so much you have a hangover the next day. A hangover’s a sure way to wreck a good speech.