How to Rehearse a Talk – Tips and Tricks for Confident Delivery – Video

Introduction

This video shares practical ways to rehearse a talk so you sound confident, natural and ready for the moment. You’ll learn why rehearsal works best in stages, how to use your voice effectively and why practising with a small test audience can transform your delivery. You’ll also hear how to give yourself enough time to make those crucial opening seconds land well.

What you’ll learn

• How to use the “inform, educate, entertain” principle in your rehearsal
• Why breaking your talk into sections makes practice easier
• How to use your voice confidently without sounding artificial
• Why a small trial audience can sharpen your message
• How much rehearsal time you really need before a high-stakes talk

Summary

Rehearsing a talk is most effective when you focus on clear, manageable steps. Start by checking that your talk informs, educates and entertains — all three matter if you want people to stay interested. Then practise key sections separately, especially your introduction. Use your voice freely when you rehearse so you understand your range, even if you tone it down for the final delivery. When the stakes are high, gather a small audience who can tell you what stands out and what drifts. Finally, give yourself enough time. Even with a finished script, you need several full run-throughs to feel fully prepared and to make those opening seconds count.

Mini FAQ

How should I break up my rehearsal?
Practise the introduction, core sections and close separately before you run the whole talk.

Should I rehearse out loud?
Yes. Speaking out loud shows you what sounds natural and what needs refining.

Why use a trial audience?
They help you understand what people actually remember and what needs cutting or sharpening.

How many times should I rehearse?
At least three complete run-throughs, even if your script is final. It builds confidence and control.

Transcript (edited)

If you want tips on rehearsing a talk, I often go back to the old BBC motto: inform, educate and entertain. You need all three elements in a talk to keep it interesting.

The best way to rehearse is not to do everything at once. Break it into clear sections, especially your introduction, which is hugely important. Practise it out loud. Use your voice in different ways — explore your range, even if you won’t use all of it on the day. Rehearse in the mirror, in the bath or on Zoom.

If the stakes are high, rehearse with a small trial audience. Two or three people is ideal. They can tell you what they remember, what stands out and what feels forgettable. It’s a great way to sharpen your talk.

People often ask how they should rehearse. The first thing is to give yourself time. Even when your script is ready, you still need to practise. We recommend rehearsing at least three times all the way through so you’re comfortable with the material. This helps you make sure those vital opening seconds have maximum impact. That’s how to prepare for your talk.

Suggested Links

• Improve your rehearsal technique
• Build a stronger talk structure
• Sharpen your presentation message
• Deliver a confident opening to your talk

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