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Delivering the Speech
Rehearsing the Speech
Communications Textbooks Boundless Communications Delivering the Speech Rehearsing the Speech
Communications Textbooks Boundless Communications Delivering the Speech
Communications Textbooks Boundless Communications
Communications Textbooks
Communications
Concept Version 10
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The Importance of Rehearsing

Rehearsal provides opportunities to apply knowledge to practice different parts, see what works, and then put it together for a total speech.

Learning Objective

  • Explain the value of rehearsal and what methods can be used to rehearse


Key Points

    • Rehearsal is important because you can apply your knowledge of public speaking to test out what works for you and learn from the experience in a safe environment.
    • Rehearsal is important because it allows you to practice different parts before you actually deliver the total speech to an audience.
    • Rehearsal is important because you can put the effective parts back together to create a total speech and practice before delivering it in front of the actual audience.
    • Plan a feedback strategy by recording for self-analysis or by receiving feedback from a friend or a coach.

Terms

  • Praxis

    The act of engaging, applying, exercising, realizing, or practicing ideas.

  • synthesis

    The formation of something complex or coherent by combining simpler things.

  • analysis

    A process of dismantling or separating into constituent elements in order to study the nature, function, or meaning.


Full Text

Importance Of Rehearsing

Rehearsal involves praxis, which usually refers to the process of putting theoretical knowledge into practice, through a constant cycle of conceptualizing the meaning of what can be learned from experience. Praxis is the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill is enacted, practiced, embodied, or realized. Praxis may also refer to the act of engaging, applying, exercising, realizing, or practicing ideas.

You have been studying public speaking and learning about delivery, gathering information, organizing speeches, and selecting a method of delivery. Through rehearsal, you have the opportunity to separate what works from what does not work.

Rehearsal Through Analysis and Synthesis

During this period, it is important to break down the rehearsal into different chunks or skills for analysis, work with the smaller areas, and then strive for synthesis. You may learn by practicing different ways of actually expressing ideas, through which you can determine the best one. Alternatively, you can practice different styles of delivery such as speaking faster or slower. To learn from practice, you can record your work to view it later, or you can have a trusted friend or coach provide feedback.

You may have heard the phrase "practice makes perfect," but before attempting to reach perfection, you must experiment to determine what it is you exactly want.

Rehearsal As Simulated Experience

Just like the contestants in the Miss Universe Pageant, you have an opportunity to practice on stage before the actual event. The learning that can occur in rehearsal is situated in a simulated experience. While rehearsing, you simulate the real speaking experience so you know what to expect. You can rehearse with the equipment or visual aids you will use, you can make sure that you are in control of the time, and you can rehearse answering questions for a Q&A session. You will know what to expect and ultimately feel more secure with your ability to perform in the actual speaking situation.

Contestants in Miss Universe Contest Rehearsal, photo by Greg Doyle

Contestants practice before the actual pageant so they know where they will stand and what they will say.

To rehearse effectively, the speaker should:

  • Start early to allow yourself enough time to experiment, revise, and try again during rehearsal.
  • Plan a feedback strategy by recording for self-analysis or by receiving feedback from a friend or a coach.
  • Remember practice does not make perfect if you continue to practice ineffective strategies. Therefore, you must experiment and learn from the experience to improve the total speech.
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