I believe you should take any advantage you can get to help deliver a cracking presentation.
- No matter how apparently odd!
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To explain:
I’ve been asked to give a talk on the future of storytelling to a conference here in Cambridge.
It’s a big event, so I want to make sure all goes well.
Which means plenty of preparation and practice.
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I immediately knew what I wanted to say, which helped with the preparation element.
In fact, it only took an hour or two to outline the talk.
Largely because I fell back on my secret of success when public speaking:
– Tell plenty of stories.
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However, outline sorted, that still meant I had to practice.
I could have done so in the standard, boring way:
Stood in my office, and talked to the walls or window.
But! I had a better idea.
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One of the highlights of my summer, actually my year, and more accurately my life…
Was the official launch of my new book, Compelling Communication.
It was special for many reasons, but most importantly for being able to thank one of the wonderful teachers, Nigel Warr, who helped me so much in my troubled teenage years.
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Because the book launch was such an important event, I practised for it relentlessly.
And I found my best rehearsing was outside.
To be more accurate, along the River Cam, at Grantchester Meadows, on the outskirts of Cambridge.
Which, as you can see from the headline picture, is a very fair spot for inspiration.
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So! Given the storytelling conference is another big moment…
I decided to fall back on my performance psychology…
Capitalise on the inspiring memories of the book launch…
And rehearse my talk in the same place.
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When I got to the Meadows, I immediately knew it was the right thing to do.
The images of success, happiness, and achievement surrounded me.
I went into this new talk with energy, optimism, and anticipation…
And I found the words coming freely and flowing elegantly.
So now, whenever I have a big event to practice for...
I know exactly where I'll be going to doing so.
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Weird though it may be, that’s the psychology of performance.
It could be the clothes you wear, the scent you spray on yourself, the water bottle you take, the rituals beforehand...
Or, like me, the how - and where - you rehearse.
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But any advantage you can get to perform at your peak, you should take.
Even if it involves alarming passers-by, as you talk aloud to the open air in beautiful countryside!
