Bravo CC Four-Day Practice Plan

People ARE NOT born great public speakers.  They learn through experience how to speak in public and over time cultivate a presentation style that captivates their audience’s attention.  They put themselves in situations where they are required to give a presentation.  They plan, they prepare, and they practice.

If you want to become a better public speaker you must commit to practicing.  This aspect of the process will allow you to focus on the delivery aspects of your presentation and see if the content you have planned translates into the spoken word.  Practice using a set process -- it takes some experimenting to determine the process that works best for you.  Here is our Four-Day Plan, which is a great place to start.

Day One: The Read-Through

On this day you will:

Read your outline or note cards out loud 3 -  4 times (you should refrain from saying things like “okay, here I’ll talk about . . .”  Instead, you should actually talk out what you are going to say in each part of the speech.)  During this session, you should:

  1. •Imprint the order of main points and the general ideas in your head.  Can you anticipate the idea that will come next?

  2. •Get through each main point with little difficulty.  Can you pronounce all of the words easily?  Are there phrases that are too long or unwieldy for you to get through easily?

  3. •Think critically about the layout and flow of your ideas and phrasing.

Day Two: The Talk-Through

On this day you will:

Speak your outline or note cards out loud 3 - 4 times.  The difference between the read-through and the talk-through is that you will look at your outline as little as possible during this practice session.  During this session, you should:

  1. •Develop a script in your head that guides you through your main points.  You should have the ideas in your head already, so now work on articulating them clearly with little dependence on your outline.

  2. •Get through your presentation with only a few glances at your outline or note cards.

  3. •Practice using different rates of speech and try varying your tone of voice.  Find out what works for you and what doesn’t.  Incorporate these dynamics into your practice.

  4. •Become comfortable with the phrasing of the main points.  You should have identified and adjusted for any words that are difficult to say, ideas that don’t flow well with each other, and points that you have trouble articulating clearly. 

  5. •If there are any problems with the outline, they should be fixed by the end of this session.

Day Three: Stand & Speak

On this day you will:

Develop the visual and vocal aspects of your presentation.  If you are using notes, you should incorporate them into the speech today.  In addition, you should develop your gestures and movements and make any adjustments to your stage directions that are needed.  Also, practice using your visual aids - especially PowerPoint - today.  During this session, you should:

  1. •Any remaining kinks in the content of your message should be eliminated today.

  2. •Present your information not only clearly, but also dynamically using your voice and your movements to emphasize your major points.  You should be doing the fine-work by this practice session.

  3. •Integrate your visual and vocal performance with the content of the presentation.

  4. •Become comfortable with your visual aids -- connect each stage of your visual aids with their corresponding point.

  5. •Practice in front of one to three people and get their feedback on your content, visual aids, and nonverbal delivery.

Day Four: Dress Rehearsal

On this day you will:

Present the speech as if you are actually giving it.  You should dress and act the same way you will in the actual situation.  Duplicate the speaking scenario as much as possible.  During this session, you should:

  1. •Practice in front of people again. The more the merrier!  Practice making meaningful eye contact with them while maintaining your focus on the content of the presentation.

  2. •Be totally ready to present your speech.  You should have no problem remembering what you want to say, and you have your visual aids clearly planned out along with your movements and vocal dynamics.

  3. •If possible, video tape your presentation for additional feedback.  It’s painful, yes!  But, oh so helpful!