An explain article

There are several ways speakers prepare for the stage. Everyone has their own secret. I asked some speakers from the last explain Stage how they prepared for the spotlight.

#01

I recommend every speaker to have once stood on this stage in preparation. You get a feel for the impact, can check the visibility to the presenter view, tailor your staging to it, and ultimately build confidence. Against stage fright, I advise imagining the positive feelings after the performance.

#02

I got feedback in advance from Toastmasters colleagues and did a trial run of the presentation in a small setting there. Voice exercises were also very important.

#03

Besides normal practice (constantly) and the ongoing refining of the speech (certainly 30 versions), it helped me a lot to go through the entire presentation while jogging before the performance.

#04

For me, it was important in the conceptual phase to get feedback from different people, exchange ideas, and sometimes try out in a small test speech whether my jokes hit the mark at the right moment.

#05

Practice and routine are the keys to a successful presentation for me, and the right topic is also very important. One that you are passionate about.

#06

My preparation included coaching sessions at Sporthilfe with Frank Asmus and with explain. Constantly refining the presentation and slides. Apart from that, practicing a lot in front of the mirror and seizing every opportunity to speak before less demanding audiences before venturing onto bigger stages.