The Best Way to Prepare for Any Performance or Presentation

 When it’s your turn to get up in front of a crowd and wow them into applause, you want to be ready and give it your best so you keep them wanting more. The New York Acting School for Film and Television is here to teach you just that. 

No matter what you do, every presentation is a performance and every performance is a presentation. You’re always selling a thought, idea, emotion or experience. And your job is to captivate your watchers so that they become transfixed and can’t wait to hear and see more. But how do you get there? We want to share with you the best way to prepare for your presentations and performance that keeps you feeling confident, prepared and prepped for success.

Start with a plan. Good presentations require great preparation, but do not start by writing your presentation out like an essay. Caroline Goyder, a former acting coach at the Central School of Speech and Drama who helps business leaders to communicate effectively says, "Writing it down tempts you to just read it out, which gives a dead, impersonal delivery."

When it applies, have visual support. If you are a speaker or presenter, always have a visual tool to backup your key points, but try to be original and not stick to just using Powerpoint with words and graphs. Ed Brodow once beat up a rubber chicken as part of a presentation. It's crazy and odd, but people remembered it. This allows for a multi-sensory experience and connection to both you and the message you’re sharing.

Practice as you. Practice well and often into an audio or video recorder so you get used to what you sound and look like to an audience. Then deliver it to a small live audience of colleagues, friends or family and be open to constructive feedback. This is a very helpful tool. Be sure to tap into your own emotional experiences to bring their impact and authenticity into your performance and presentation.

Slow down for the final delivery. When it's time to deliver you big point or climax, take it slowly. Putting pauses between each thought helps you slow down. This is useful as nerves tend to speed up speech. Imagine you are delivering each point to one member of the audience and wait until you can see from their face that they have got it. This is a technique used by stand-up comedians.

Imagine your success. This one is used by most successful people in the world.You simply spend a little time each day to visualize yourself confidently delivering and your crowd going wild with awe and applause. Imagine how it feels. Imagine you confidently delivering, remembering every line and point. Imagine being asked to come back and do it again!

The New York Acting School for Film and Television loves to see you confidently set up for success. Whatever your need, from better presenting to on camera comfort, we are here to support you with classes and coaching. Call us today!