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Practice the Delivery

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Practice is essential to effective delivery. The more you practice, the greater your comfort level will be when you actually deliver the speech. More than anything, it is uncertainty that breeds anxiety. By practicing your speech using a fully developed speaking outline, you will know what to expect when you actually stand in front of an audience.

Learn from the Legends

Apple cofounder Steve Jobs was such an effective speaker that whole books have been devoted to his techniques. As Apple CEO, Jobs delivered his presentations without notes and spoke in a conversational style, making emotional connections with his audience.But while Jobs projected an image of casualness, the time he devoted to preparation and practice is legendary.⁶

Focus on the Message

The primary purpose of any speech is to get a message across, not to display extraordinary delivery skills. Keep this goal foremost in your mind. Psychologically, too, focusing on your message is likely to make your delivery more natural and confident.

Plan Ahead and Practice Often

If possible, begin practicing your speech at least several days before you are scheduled to deliver it.

Practice with your speaking notes, revising those parts of the speech that aren’t satisfactory, and altering the notes as you go.
Focus on your speech ideas rather than on yourself.
Time each part of your speech—introduction, body, and conclusion.
Practice with any presentation aids you plan to use.
Practice your speech several times, and then record it with a tape recorder.
If possible, videotape yourself twice—once after several practice sessions, and again after you’ve worked to incorporate any changes into your speech.
Visualize the setting in which you will speak, and practice the speech under realistic conditions, paying particular attention to projecting your voice to fill the room.
Practice in front of at least one volunteer, and seek constructive criticism.
Schedule your practice sessions early in the process so that you have time to prepare.

Practice Five Times

Many expert speakers recommend practicing your speech about five times in its final form. Given that few speeches are longer than twenty minutes, and most are shorter, this represents a maximum of two hours of practice time—time certainly well spent.