The key to a good talk? Rehearsal.

How does Steph Curry hit ridiculously long 3-point shots? How does Denzel Washington make every character unique and mesmerizing? Why does every Apple product launch presentation seem so professional? All the same reason?

Practice.

Steph spends thousands of hours in the gym making sure each jump shot is identical. Denzel reviews each line inflection and head turn. Apple has each exec up on the stage running, and re-running their talks until they are instinctual and polished. But, a lot of people when asked whether they practiced the talk they are about to give, or meeting kick-off they are about to present, will say either no or I went over it in the car. That is not good enough.

I realize that sometimes there is not much time to practice, but if you can find 15 minutes to stand in an empty room and say out loud what you're planning to communicate, you will find that you are much more relaxed because of that short preparation. Here are a few tips:

• Practice as you play - Try to rehearse in a space similar to the one where you will be speaking
• Speak as if people are in the room to create vocal muscle memory
• Move - Movement helps with memorization and can be used to keep your audience's attention
• Run it twice - Don't think doing it once is enough. You'll find things in your first run through that you want to adjust in the second

I've seen good speakers flounder because they didn't have enough prep time, and I've seen nervous speakers soar once they've rehearsed. 

Invest some time in yourself and rehearse.

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