How do you get the best from yourself in every presentation? I wanted to delve a little deeper into the wonderful world of preparing for a presentation.

As far as I am concerned preparation is only one facet of a good presentation.  Preparation in my mind is the writing, the design etc of the presentation.  Strangely enough some people stop there.  I say DON’T.  This is just the beginning.

When I talk about the rest of preparing, what I am actually talking about is rehearsal.  Presenting is a skill, and therefore time and energy has to be invested developing and improving your presentation skill.

Looking back at each and every presentation you have done, can you honestly say you have rehearsed it?  Yip rehearsed it.  As in actually delivering it to yourself (out loud) in the first instance, then with an audience (even if it is an audience of one).  Have you?

What is it that makes you not value rehearsing your presentation?

In other words not want to do everything in your power to ensure you deliver seamlessly, make sure you know how it sounds, where to put in the dramatic pause after a crucial message, and whether you are engaging enough.  This is remembering the basics.

Rehearsal is vital.  The key to rehearsal success is HOW you choose to rehearse.  Here are some tips for maximising you time in rehearsal:

• Turn off your phone/PC/IPAD/blackberry whilst you are rehearsing.  Every time you get  interrupted your flow and concentration is stopped.
• Ideally be in the space in which you are to present.  I realise this is not always possible.  So if you are in your lounge, kitchen, office etc be inventive.  Try to recreate your presenting space as realistically as possible.  It’s just like making a den when we were kids.  Have fun.  Use your imagination!
• Say it all out loud. Don’t just read through the bits you do not know, to yourself.  Say it all out loud right from the “hello”.  We know “first impressions count”.
• Rehearse in your outfit. The clothes and especially shoes you plan to wear have an impact on your performance.  I know I move differently wearing a suit compared to my movement when I am in jeans and trainers.  To get the best out of rehearsing be fair to yourself, and make it as realistic as possible.  Suddenly putting on heels on the day, which you haven’t rehearsed, can trigger those nerves as may feel different.  Naturally I am referring to the ladies here.  However, if you are a chap who wears heels; then I’m directing this at you too!
• Find an audience. Quite often in the theatre we will invite an audience to the final dress rehearsal.  It’s good to get a sense from the audience of pace and timing.  Which bit made them laugh?  Did they switch off at any point?  Your audience does not have to understand the content.  For example, if you are an engineer and your audience is a bunch of mates.  They may have no knowledge or understanding of what you are saying.  They can surely tell you whether you were engaging.
• Repeat, repeat, repeat. I understand the pressures of being in business; time is very important.  However, how you present is your business.  So invest the time, and repeat it at least three times from start to finish.  This way when you are in front of your audience you can truly be at your best.

Let me know how you get on.  Also let me know any presentation challenges you are facing, and I will endeavour to help.