SPEAK UP: Practice! (Article #2 in series)
by Joy Leach, Tina Jackson, and Kim Shope, PRI Leadership
Practicing isn’t just about rehearsing for a high-stakes presentation over and over again—practicing can happen in small ways that add up to a big change in how you deliver your message, and how you deliver yourself. We are all busy, and practicing takes time. Below are three impactful ways to practice.
1. STRETCH YOURSELF
One of the most common coaching issues we come across when working on presentation skills, regardless of the industry, is the misconception that only extroverts enjoy and have a natural skill for public speaking.
One client said, “I would rather listen first and think about things than jump right in. But my boss wants me to take up more time in meetings, to speak out more often.” At first, she felt that the feedback was the result of her workplace’s male paradigm that valued people who took up more air time. But as the coaching engagement went on, she began to see that it was exactly this perspective that provided her with the ability to add value to meetings and conversations. She realized that she could share her observations about meetings that went on for too long and her thoughts about how to keep them on-task and succinct.
She stretched herself. First, she pushed through her assumption that speaking up was a matter of air time, and when she did, she realized that she had worthy additions to make to the conversation. Then, by stretching out of her comfort zone of just listening and contributing her perspective, she was able to make a positive impact on the business. She felt more valuable, and therefore her work felt more meaningful to her.
Another way to stretch yourself is by offering feedback to others who are presenting. Feedback isn’t just about supporting a person’s growth and objectives, it’s also about doing what you can to help that person grow into their own potential. Be honest about what you see and know about the presenter. Support their understanding of the audience they’re presenting to. Studies have shown that the most successful people at work are those who have access to the unwritten rules, the rules that aren’t explicitly stated. Share what you know that will help others be more successful in their own delivery.
2. SAY IT OUT LOUD
We’ve talked about how the person who gives the presentation gets the credit for the message being delivered. The reason for this is that the presentation isn’t just the words that are being said: it’s you, the person saying them. The more times you practice delivering your message aloud, the higher your chances at nailing it in-the-moment. Practice in small ways, too. Practice with your family, at dinner, or with a friend.
Tim Ferriss tells the story about getting a last-minute invitation to speak at SXSW. He had to stay at a friend’s house because all hotels in the area were booked. When he got to his friend’s house, he knew he had to practice for the presentation. He wanted some privacy to practice and went to the garage; his friend’s three chihuahuas followed him. He knew if he could keep the dogs engaged, he would feel confident that his presentation was ready for delivery to the crowd.
So, practice on the chihuahuas. Practice in front of the mirror. Or practice for your allies. No matter who your practice-audience is, practicing not only what you say but how you say it is going to increase your odds of catching (and keeping) your audience’s attention. And don’t just focus on your voice, but practice with your entire body. Stand up, move your arms, walk while you present. Practice making eye contact around the room. Practice smiling. Pay attention to somatic habits such as clenching your hands or tapping your foot which may convey stress. Channel that excess energy into purposeful movement and gestures.
If you are supporting someone who is presenting, be their test-audience. Give them honest feedback on what works and what can be stronger, tell them when your attention drifted or you felt confused. Let themknow that you also have to rehearse to feel prepared and confident going into a meeting. Normalize this part of the process—the polished and confident presenters we see at work and on stage weren’t born that way. Presenting is a skill set that requires honing through practice.
3. CENTER YOURSELF
It’s worth accepting upfront the fact that no matter how much you practice and how prepared you feel, you will probably feel nervous before presenting. The great thing about accepting this in advance is that you can plan for it.
We often recommend that people come up with a mantra or ritual that helps them steady themselves before presenting. Take a moment to get grounded and centered. Recognize that your body is experiencing a natural, physiological response to fear. When you feel an increase in adrenaline, your cells need more oxygen. So sit up tall, or stand straight so that you can breathe.
Learn to be fully present with your presence. Learn to pay attention to what’s going on inside of you—grow your awareness of your own biases and filters, your strengths and your areas of growth. Think about who you are with, and who you are presenting to. Center your focus on the purpose of the dialogue, on the impact you want to have. Return to your preparation and ground yourself in the context of the environment and the people in the room.
Developing your presence as an audience member is equally important—do what you can to quiet the internal chatter and listen to the presenter. Show them that you are impacted by what they say, show them that their voice is being heard. Encourage the presenter by paying attention, and ask questions if need be. Be the kind of ally you love having when you’re the one at the front of the room.
Practice Checklist
Stretch & contribute
Reflect on how you use your voice. When do speak up? When do you hold back
Offer others clear and honest feedback
Practice. Practice. Practice.
With allies, mirrors, video cameras, kids, pets…
Put your body, mind, heart, and voice into it
Be a test audience for others too
Plan for nerves & get centered
Develop a mantra or ritual
Breathe
Be present
Be the ally you want to see in the audience
Reflections
What assumptions do you make that quiet your voice?
How do those assumptions serve you? Or not?
Ready to Stretch?
Who or what do you want to add to your test audience as you practice?
Whose audience can you join as an ally?
What mantra or ritual can you use to help you get centered and stay present?
This article is designed to help:
individuals gain confidence and skill in speaking up (even when – and especially when – they may be a minority voice in the room) and
leaders recognize how they can support others in speaking up
The full series is available on our website: www.prileadership.com