Practice makes perfect.....sometimes.

Confidence Part 4:

Practice: this is so often overlooked.

Put simply, you cannot expect to be perfect first time out.

Think back to when you first got your driver’s license. The first time you went out on your own, you were stiff and cautious, and mega alert, not wanting to make a mistake which could be extremely costly or even dangerous. But now you hop in your car with hardly a second thought – what has made the difference? Experience – or practice!

This goes right back to the first post really – it is not a natural thing for most people to stand up in front of a crowd and hold their attention for an hour. Even the best of public speakers is far better now than their first time. And it all really does come down to experience or practice – simply put – the more you do it, more comfortable you get doing it.

o   Practice really does make perfect – if you practice right. I have added an addendum to this common saying, because it is not practice alone that makes perfect, but good practice.

§  Practicing wrong things makes you better at doing it wrong.

The actor Leslie Neilson made a video called “Bad golf made easier”, but it is not about playing golf better – it is about playing BAD golf better. And this is the thing about “practice” if you practice bad technique you will get better at the BAD technique, but you will not improve. The key to good practice is to learn good techniques and practice them.

§  Practicing will make you better, just like any other pursuit. The more you do it, the better you get at it.

Once you have found a source for good technique, then practice it as much as you are able. If you don’t feel too silly, stand in front of the mirror and present to yourself (I never was able to get comfortable with this, but it is often suggested). If you can convince your wife, husband, or kids, to sit through it, present to them. They will most likely not be able to comment on the content, but the delivery is something anyone can see.

§  Never turn down an opportunity to do a presentation– at least if your goal is to do them well. Of course, there are times when it is not your field, or you have promised a holiday to your family – turn those down – family is more important than any single presentation. But if it is relevant, and if the timing fits, and if it is worthwhile for your work and your goals, then take every opportunity you can. Practicing in the nets is great, but nothing can replace time out in the field. (That’s a cricket Metaphor for those non-cricketing people).

§  Record your presentations if possible.

This is really useful, but only if you then watch them back. If you have someone you trust, you could ask them to review it for you, but having a recording is a great way to see if you have any bad habits – like always saying “Now then…” at the start of every sentence. It can be really embarrassing and even off-putting if you know you are being recorded, but it is an invaluable tool for your improvement. A recording doesn’t care about your feelings…….

§  Even if you will never be a full-on pro, you can be better at it than you are now.

When someone thinks they have reached the pinnacle of their field, and they can do no better, it is time for them to retire. A wise man will constantly strive to do better than he is today.