Practice Like a Pro: The Secret to Showing Up with Confidence
Every time you speak — whether it’s a keynote, a job interview, a podcast appearance, or even a casual networking event — you’re presenting yourself.
The way you share your story, the energy you bring, and the confidence behind your words all tell people who you are before you even realize it.
And the truth is, that kind of presence doesn’t just happen.
It’s practiced. Rehearsed. Repeated.
I know, I know, it sounds a little rigid. But stay with me.
Why Practice Isn’t About Perfection
Whenever I talk about rehearsal, people groan. They imagine scripts and memorization and losing their natural spark. But practicing isn’t about becoming robotic it’s about becoming comfortable enough to let your real self shine through.
When you’re prepared, you can relax.
When you’re relaxed, you connect.
And connection is everything.
That’s why I always tell my Academy members: practice your talk until you’re a little bit sick of it. Because by then, it’s in your bones. You don’t have to cling to your notes, your message is right there, ready to flow.
Lesson from the Dance Studio (and the Hockey Rink)
This is me in my very first dance recital!
Rehearsal is baked into who I am. I grew up as a competitive dancer and later taught dance for years so the concept of repetition until it’s second nature isn’t new to me. Every movement, every beat, every count of eight was practiced until it felt effortless on stage.
Now, watching my daughter learn hockey (and being married to a hockey player), I see the same thing. The drills. The stick handling. The endless hours on the ice. It’s all practice for the performance.
You can’t fake comfort under pressure, you earn it through repetition.
Three Ways to Practice Like a Pro
So how do you bring that kind of preparation into your storytelling, interviews, or presentations? Here are three simple ways to start:
1. Record Yourself (Even If It Feels Cringey)
Oh, I know — you just winced.
Every time I suggest recording yourself, people want to skip this step entirely. But it’s gold.
When you watch or listen back, you start to notice your habits, the filler words (“um,” “like,” “you know”), the gestures, the pacing. You’ll spot the moments where you light up and the ones where you lose energy.
You don’t need fancy equipment, your phone’s voice memo or camera is enough. Play it back. Listen. Learn. You’ll start refining naturally.
2. Practice with Trusted Listeners
Find one or two people you can trust, the kind who will cheer you on but also tell you the truth. Practicing in front of someone raises the stakes just enough to simulate the real thing.
My friend Anita once offered to let me rehearse my talk in front of her. I almost said no (because, hello nerves), but I’m so glad I didn’t. Saying it aloud, seeing her reaction, and getting feedback helped me sharpen my message and calm my jitters.
If you’re lucky, you have both kinds of people — the “you’re amazing!” hype friend and the honest one who will nudge you to improve. Both matter.
3. Visualize the Real Thing
Visualization isn’t just for athletes it’s for anyone who wants to show up ready. Picture yourself in the space: the room, the lights, the mic in your hand.
I like to practice with the mic stand, or even in the outfit I’ll wear. (Pro tip: blazers can seriously limit your arm movement try that before you’re on stage!)
Get used to the shoes, the heat, the feel of it all. That small physical familiarity builds comfort and confidence.
And don’t forget to practice your takeoff and landing 🛬 your opening and closing lines. Know exactly how you’ll start and where you’ll end, so even if something unexpected happens mid-talk, you can still guide the plane home smoothly.
It’s Not About Nerves, It’s About Care
Practicing isn’t about over-controlling or chasing perfection. It’s about caring enough to show up well. It’s saying, this moment matters and I’m going to respect it by being ready.
Confidence doesn’t come from talent. It comes from preparation that makes you feel grounded when everything else is moving.
So record yourself. Rehearse with friends. Visualize the moment.
Do it until it feels natural — and then let it go.
Because when you’ve practiced enough, you can finally stop thinking about the performance… and start living in the story.
If you want a space to practice out loud, to tell stories, get feedback, and grow with people who understand, come join us inside the The Academy.
It’s where courage and craft meet, and it’s one of my favourite places on the internet.
