Rehearse in your shoes

As an Executive Voice Coach and Communication Skills Trainer I coach and mentor people to speak better in public situations. For many, it could be formal situations like board presentations, mainstream media opportunities or international speeches at cross country negotiations. At other times it could be for informal situations addressing team members, giving farewell or welcome to the company speeches or just interacting better with colleagues.
One of the small, but I believe very powerful tips I received years ago when I was a professional Opera Singer, was to rehearse in your shoes. The shoes that you are likely to wear at the event. It is important for several reasons:

1. It changes your posture. Think about the last time you wore some business professional shoes or high heels, then put on some sneakers or Birkenstocks. Your feet felt different. Subtly your posture may have changed. Ask any podiatrist and they could confirm this idea. More on posture in another article!
2. It gets you ready for the event. Many times when we are thrown into a public speaking opportunity we feel unprepared. Rehearsing in your shoes is just one way to feel more comfortable both physically and mentally. If you have rehearsed well and consistently it forms a positive association. I sing now in concert and speak at major events in my wedding shoes!
3. Finally, you walk better. Next time your buy some new shoes become aware of your walk. Often when delivering a public speech we have to walk to the podium and back. I often say the moment starts with how you approach the stage before you even speak. So if you rehearse in your shoes, practice your walk to AND from the stage or speaking area. Make sure you look good.
   

If you don't have the right shoes, find some. Give them a special place in your wardrobe and rehearse in them often. Make sure they are clean and presentable when you speak as well. We often judge a person by their shoes. So stand up and stand out!