We’ve all heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” But let’s be honest—perfection isn’t the goal. Confidence is. I prefer to say “Practice makes PERMANENT” because you will perform in the way that you rehearse!

Whether you’re preparing for a keynote speech, a business presentation, or simply sharing your story in front of an audience, how you practice will make all the difference. Great speakers don’t just wing it—they prepare with purpose. 

The secret isn’t rehearsing until you’ve memorized every word—you are not a robot simply memorizing a sequence of words. The real secret to effective rehearsal is doing it in a way that builds familiarity with your content, confidence in your voice, flexibility and adaptation, and a strong connection with your audience.

In today’s article we will talk about how to practice effectively so that you walk onto any stage feeling confident, prepared, and powerful, not panicked.

1. Rehearse Out Loud—Not Just in Your Head

It’s one thing to read thr...