The doing is the practice.
When we’re coaching, we teach clients the best ways to practice for a presentation or a speech. But the real truth is—every day is a chance to practice.
Every conversation is a chance to practice intention. How am I hoping to affect the person I’m talking to? Am I being honest with myself about my intention? If I know my default intention is to defend, or to prove I’m right, how can I shift that to a deliberate and productive intention that is more likely to have a good outcome?
Every conversation is a chance to practice alignment. Am I giving this person my full attention, turning all three sets of “eyes” (face, shoulders, hips), towards them? Am I working to get rid of words and phrases that diminish me and my ideas (“I think,” “just,” “kind of”?) Am I aware of my vocal speed and cadence?
Every conversation is a chance to practice practice. Remind yourself that every time you communicate is a chance to practice, and a chance to develop awareness. This is practice at its most effective. Low-stakes, incremental practice will surprise you with its results—by the time you get to the big speech or presentation, you will have done most of the hard work.
Ignite CSP is opening its Public Speaking Catalyst for enrollment on December 3. The five-week small group coaching experience starts January 18, 2021. Each cohort is limited to 12. Learn more here!!
