How to Practice a Speech

Key Concepts

• 3x3+1 Practice Method: A structured approach to speech practice involving three repetitions per day for three days before the speech, plus one final practice session on the day of the presentation.
• Extemporaneous Speech: A speech delivered from limited notes, researched and practiced beforehand, with a conversational style.
• Mumble Reading: Quietly talking through the speech outline to internalize the content and revise the structure.
• Table Read: Practicing the speech standing up, at a conversational volume, with emphasis and gestures, while looking at notes less and less.
• Dress Rehearsals: Practicing the speech in the actual clothing, at full volume, with visual aids, and focusing on specific delivery improvements.
• Speaking Notes: Brief notes, typically on note cards, containing keywords and diagrams to guide the speech.
• Ovation: A virtual reality and AI speaking trainer used to overcome public speaking anxiety and build confidence.

Day 1: Mumble Reading (Three Days Before)

• Goal: Internalize the content and revise the speech structure.
• Process:
  • Sit quietly and mumble through the full outline three times.
  • Revise the speech between each repetition.
  • Vary wording choices to avoid sounding robotic.
  • Add stories, quotations, and statistics to illustrate key ideas.
  • Set a timer on the last repetition to ensure the speech is within the target time range (e.g., 8-10 minutes).
• Focus:
  • Ensuring the big pieces are in the right place.
  • Ensuring points and elements flow logically.
  • Reducing reliance on notes with each repetition.
• Don'ts:
  • Don't worry about getting through the entire presentation without stopping.
  • Don't attempt to say things exactly the same way each time.

Day 2: Table Read (Two Days Before)

• Goal: Practice the speech with improved delivery and reduced reliance on notes.
• Process:
  • Start with the updated outline from Day 1 and cut it in half, aiming for bullet points and fragments.
  • Practice the speech three times.
  • Stand up and speak at a higher conversational volume.
  • Add emphasis to key ideas and gesture naturally.
  • Look at notes less and less with each repetition.
  • Time each repetition and log the exact time.
• Focus:
  • Communicating the content faithfully rather than memorizing exact wording.
  • Visualizing what comes next instead of relying on notes.
  • Maintaining a natural and conversational tone.
• Key Point: "I often deliberately change my wording slightly each time to stay flexible."
• Don'ts:
  • Don't try to be perfect.
  • Don't stop mid-sentence and restart. Fight through mistakes to build adaptability.

Day 3: Dress Rehearsals (One Day Before)

• Goal: Refine delivery, practice with visual aids, and finalize speaking notes.
• Process:
  • Revise the outline again, cutting it in half.
  • Transfer notes to note cards or the chosen speaking format. Aim for one or two note cards per main point.
  • Wear the actual clothing for the presentation.
  • Project voice at full presentation volume.
  • Practice making eye contact with an imaginary audience.
  • Practice with visual aids.
  • Focus on one specific delivery improvement per repetition (e.g., reducing filler words, increasing gestures).
  • Time each repetition.
• Focus:
  • Saying things more clearly and concisely.
  • Using plain language.
  • Reducing reliance on notes, aiming to glance at them only every 30 seconds.
• Key Point: "The PowerPoint slides in back of you are not your speaking notes. Those are visual aids, and therefore your audience only."
• Memorization:
  • Memorize the first and last sentences of the speech.
  • Memorize the thesis statement (bottom line).
  • Memorize the preview statement (roadmap of points).

+1: Morning of the Presentation

• Goal: Refresh the speech and boost confidence.
• Process:
  • Go through all or parts of the presentation one more time, possibly mumbling through key sections.
  • Focus on the introduction, conclusion, and the start of each main body point.
  • Rewrite note cards with the absolute minimum information.
• Focus:
  • Viewing note cards as a safety net.
  • Building confidence through preparation.

Ovation VR/AI Speaking Trainer

• Description: A virtual reality and AI-powered tool designed to help users overcome public speaking anxiety and improve their skills.
• Features:
  • Gamified practice reps.
  • AI-generated customized feedback.
  • Prepared presentations, impromptu speeches, and Q&A practice.
  • Mock interviews and role-play scenarios.
  • Available in VR headset and laptop versions.

Conclusion

The 3x3+1 method provides a structured and comprehensive approach to speech practice, ensuring speakers are confident, concise, and compelling. By progressing through the phases of mumble reading, table read, and dress rehearsals, speakers internalize the content, refine their delivery, and reduce their reliance on notes. The final practice session on the day of the presentation serves as a refresher and confidence booster. Utilizing tools like Ovation can further enhance the practice process and improve public speaking skills. As Muhammad Ali's quote emphasizes, success in public speaking, like in boxing, is determined by the preparation done "far away from witnesses."