A few days before a play or musical
opens, the entire cast and crew conduct a dress rehearsal. They do a complete run-through of the script
on stage, dressed in their costumes, with the full scenery and lighting in
place and the pit orchestra playing. The purpose of the dress
rehearsal is to make sure everything goes smoothly on opening night.
The dress rehearsal is a great idea to
borrow when you have to give a presentation. If you haven't
presented in a while (or ever) or you've never presented to this
particular audience (for example, the budget committee) or in that space
(for example, the Boardroom), a dress rehearsal can make the difference between
success and failure. Even if you
don't get in costume or practice in the actual space, the point is to
prepare for all aspects of the environment so nothing trips up your presentation.
Here are some things for you to think about in the dress rehearsal
for your presentation:
ROOM LAYOUT
Where will you present? The room
should be arranged so you can see everyone easily and so you won't trip
over any computer cables or have to cross frequently in front of the projector
lamp.
ROOM ENVIRONMENT
How are the lights and heating/cooling system controlled? If you're using a projector and screen, does
the lighting allow the audience to see the screen and also have enough light to
stay awake? What is going on in the room next door or outside the
window? If you have to compete with a jackhammer, frequent sirens or cute kids
on the playground outside the window, you should be prepared for it.
COMPUTER (if applicable)
How will you advance the slides?
If you will be standing to deliver your presentation, I recommend
using a remote control (inexpensive and easily available at office supply or
electronics stores) so you are not tied to your computer.
Do you have a long-enough power cable or enough battery power? Have you disabled your computer's automatic
updates so your computer is not automatically shut down and restarted during
the presentation? (This actually happened to me a few minutes before I
began a training session).
WHAT TO WEAR
Wear something comfortable AND powerful. To take
an extreme example, pajamas are comfortable but they are not powerful.
Clothes can help you communicate the professional image that you
want to convey. And your shoes must be comfortable even if you're only
presenting for a few minutes. Your
clothing should have nothing you have to tug at, pull at, fix, etc., that will
distract you or your audience.
PERSONAL PREP
Get enough sleep the night before you
have to present. Make sure you have time to eat whatever food you
need to present effectively - you don't want to be overfull, but you also want
to avoid a growling stomach or light-headedness.
WHAT'S IN YOUR KIT BAG?
Do you have everything you might need with you
- things like cough drops, antacids, other medicines, glasses if you get
something in your contacts, etc? This
is the time to think like a Boy Scout and be prepared. If you're
speaking in front of the entire department, including management, at an offsite
retreat, wouldn't you prefer to have your glasses with you in case you lost
your left contact?
If you're not in your regular office
building, who is your onsite go-to person in case you need something?
When I was stung by a wasp for the first time in my life shortly before I had
to present a workshop, I needed my on-site contact person to get me medical
attention quickly to ensure I wasn't having an allergic reaction (she was great
and no, I didn't have a reaction).
Yes, thinking about these environmental factors and preparing for them takes
time. But like a dress rehearsal, it's time well spent. As a result, you'll be comfortable enough
with your environment so you can avoid preventable glitches and deliver your
presentation effectively - and handle any unexpected obstacles with
ease.