Eliminating Friction
A great script can be ruined by poor delivery habits. These «vices» act as friction, slowing down the transfer of ideas from your brain to the audience’s. Polishing your performance is about removing these barriers so your message shines through clearly.
We will focus on three areas: Verbal Fillers, Visual Dependence, and Stage Presence.
The Battle: Vices vs. Virtues
The Vice: «Um,» «Ah,» «Like,» «You know.» These are «thinking noises.» They signal that you are searching for words, which lowers perceived authority.
The Virtue: The Silent Pause.
How to Fix:
- Record yourself for 1 minute.
- Identify your specific filler word.
- Practice the «Catch and Close» method: When you feel the urge to say «Um,» close your mouth and swallow. The silence is powerful.
The Practice Routine
Amateurs practice until they get it right. Professionals practice until they can't get it wrong.
The Table Read
Read your script out loud sitting down. Focus only on the flow of words and timing. Edit sentences that are hard to say—if you stumble reading it, you will stumble saying it.
The Standing Rehearsal
Stand up. Do not use slides yet. Focus on your body language and gestures. Practice your "Power Pose" and breathing.
The Dress Rehearsal
Wear the clothes you will present in. Use a clicker (or a mouse substitute). Record this session on video. Watch it with the sound off to check body language, then with sound on to check vocal dynamics.