Back in the days..
I’d get worried sick even weeks before an upcoming presentation.
Not that it was a career defining moment… But I didn’t know how to prepare for it.
So I would memorize like a script half of the time and lose my sleep the remaining time.
So I decided to fix the rehearsal & prep for you.
Use it.
Nail your presentation every time.
1. Rehearse on your feet
- Stand up while practicing
- Move around
- Speak as if the audience is in the room
WHY IT WORKS:
Builds muscle memory and confidence in movement.
2. Rehearse out loud with slides
- Speak through every slide
- Match your words to visuals
- Use slides as guide post - Not script
WHY IT WORKS:
Fixes timing issues beforehand.
3. Rehearse openings & endings more than the rest
- Defuses initial 60-90 seconds of nerves spike
- First & last impressions matter most
- Repeat them until natural
WHY IT WORKS:
Hooks attention
Leaves a lasting impact.
4. Rehearse transitions & tricky spots
- Identify sections that feel awkward
- Practice moving from one idea to another
- Smooth over every bump
WHY IT WORKS:
Makes your talk flow effortlessly
Keeps audience engagement high.
5. Edit and cut as you go
- Remove anything that drags
- Focus on key messages
- Keep your talk lean and tight
WHY IT WORKS:
Tighter content keeps attention & avoids overwhelm.
6. Film yourself
- Record your rehearsal
- Watch your gestures, voice, pacing
- Fix anything that distracts from your message
WHY IT WORKS:
Immediate feedback
If you can't listen yourself presenting, no one will.
7. Get outsider’s opinion
- Ask someone unfamiliar with the topic to watch
- Listen to what confuses them
- Clarify anything that isn’t obvious
WHY IT WORKS:
Ensures clarity for all audiences
If they get it, anyone will.
✅ REALITY CHECK:
Preparation is not memorization
It’s smart rehearsal:
Muscle memory, clarity and confidence beat last-minute panic every time.
Remember this:
"Only prepared speaker deserves to be confident" -Dale Carnegie
💾 Save this issue for your next talk.
Reply with "PDF" if you want a handy PDF for future use and I'll send it your way.
-Waqas
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Credit: Will Greenblatt for inspiration and pointers to create this carousel