The other day I was driving around and actually drove past a football field with some kids in it and something looked a little odd. I decided to turn around and take a closer look. I saw a number of groups on the field but the one I was most interested in was two kids that looked about 15-16 playing together. One of the kids was on the 40 yard line while the other one was standing close to the goal line. The one on the 40 was alternating between kicking field goals and punts while the other kid was catching the balls and running back the ball. I watched this for about 15 minutes and was amazed that this was happening WITHOUT a COACH! Just the two boys:
- Practicing
- Getting better
- Laughing and enjoying a sport they love
To me that was amazing. I don’t see that as much as I did when I was growing up. Lots of kids are inside playing on the web, watching TV or on their iTouch. Good for these kids to be outside and practicing.
It got me to think about how I practice. Here are a few ways:
- If I haven’t played baseball or softball for a while I will go to the batting cages.
- Before I go into a new business development meeting with colleagues I will review what we want to say and accomplish
- Before an industry presentation I will review the PowerPoint deck for timing, videos and animation
Practicing is how you get better!
Practicing is critical to your success!
- So how do you practice?
I look forward to hearing from you!
Fee Sepahi says:
Hi Merrill,
That is fabulous to see the boys so enthusiastically playing.
I follow your same methodology with the added steps, in the case of client/prospect meeting, of practicing driving and totally mapping out routes to meetings. Thoroughly researching all travel avenues and producing a cost/benefit analysis and with a fine tooth comb, analyzing all agreed upon times, best and worst case travel times, to insure I arrive at least 20 minutes early.
I know this doesn’t sound as much fun as the boys were having, but I find the planning and research enlightening and at times challenging and engaging.
Fee
Ruthann Chesnoff says:
On one of the worse days of my life I had prepared a eulogy for Ilene Kaplan my business partner of 30 years who passed away on Aug.3 I wanted to tell a story with humor and thoughtfulness to cover her life here. I wrote and re wrote and practiced what I was going to say about such a special person. Ilene was part of my life for such a long time. She was not only a business partner but more like a sister and best friend. How could I tell the people that came to morn a story about our relationship in a short Eulogy. Some how I managed to say what was in my heart,but also with humor, the way she would have wanted it. I achieved my goal by making everyone laugh. So by practicing and re writing the story I achieved my goal.
Phil Harriau says:
In 1992 I took a new job and my new boss said I was going to speak at a national sales meeting in 5 days. He gave me a deck of overheads and a projector to take home. I knew nothing about the product line and was only given talking points. I practiced that deck about 50 times, and when my turn came I did better than the other “seasoned” guys.
The lesson: The bigger the crowd the more benefit from parctice!
Corolary: With practice, a good delivery can overcome thin knowledge of material (like we see with some politicians)
Ed Sugar says:
Practice is a must, but only is successful with the presence/influence of a coach or mentor.
Ken Roberts says:
For presentations, at least a couple of times a year I record myself and listen to the tape or watch the video. This self review can teach you a lot and show you areas for improvement.
Naomi Lenoci says:
I also believe in practicing to get down the timing and to make sure you hit the points you want to stress most. I don’t believe in reading ppt. presentations. They are used only for bullet points and then the delivery will give the examples. The old saying, Practice, practice, Practice, is valid advice – do the rehearsal three times. Thanks.