A confident speaker is a prepared speaker. Yet so many people still go into important talks having barely practised. They may have reviewed their slides, jotted down some notes, or run through it quietly in their head – but that’s not the same as standing up and delivering it out loud.

One of the most effective ways to rehearse is with a trusted colleague. Someone who knows the business context, understands the audience, and is able to give you constructive feedback. At The Presenter Studio, we always say: rehearse as if it’s the real thing. Because when the pressure is on, muscle memory matters.

Practising with a colleague helps you in several ways. First, it gets you used to speaking your thoughts in real time – ironing out clunky phrases or moments where you stumble. It also helps you build timing. You'll discover if you’re rushing or dragging. And most importantly, you’ll hear how it sounds when you actually say it.

But don’t just run through your talk – ask for feedback. Ask them what they remember. Where they lost interest. Whether your message was clear. You don’t want surface-level reassurance – you want useful insight.

This kind of practice also helps calm your nerves. Speaking in front of one person is a powerful stepping stone to speaking in front of fifty. It’s like working your way up through performance reps – so that by the time you’re on stage, you feel more in control and less like you’re improvising.

At The Presenter Studio, we simulate real-life presenting environments and teach practical rehearsal techniques that can be used alone or with others. From internal meetings to keynote speeches, we make sure you're never winging it.

If you want to turn nerves into clarity and hesitation into confidence, check out our full public speaking training here: https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training