Practice Your Presentation

Before I preach, present a lesson, or even give a presentation, I like to practice my speech at least 3 times. 

That’s right, for every 20 minute lesson I give to students, I look to spend 1 hour preaching to myself. I do this so that I can work out the timing, figure out the best phrases, and sync my talk with the Keynote slides. As the saying goes, “Practice makes Perfect.”

While I can (and have) taught “off the cuff,” it makes me feel unprepared and unprofessional. The audience is taking time and energy to listen to me; I always want to be a good steward of their investment.

For larger events (like preaching), I look to have another person hear one of my practice sermons. Often it is my wife, although in college I would grab a roommate. Someone listening to your practice lesson can help you clarify your language, making it as effective as possible.

How long do you practice your lessons? Do you practice them?

(image by reallyboring)