Want to hit your next speech out of the ballpark? Get out there and take some practice swings.

“Winging it” because you think you’ll be 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦n𝘵𝘪𝘤 is like stepping up to the plate with two runners on base—and realizing you haven’t even put your cleats on yet.

But don't just take my word for it!

Listen to the expert: Sabina Nawaz writing in the Harvard Business Review, says “Many people worry they’ll appear scripted and stilted if they over prepare, but. . . knowing [your material] exceptionally well paradoxically frees you to be more natural and responsive.”

The fact is, when you truly know your message, you internalize it. Use that sense of 𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥-𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 to stay present and connect with your audience. So they really hear you!

Preparation and practice are key to getting out of your head. When you really know your message you aren’t stuck there, wondering what comes next. You engage in action, and for speakers, that means engaging with your audience.

That’s the trade secret actors—and ballplayers—know. It’s what we have to do to stay 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 on stage or at the plate.

I have many strategies I can offer you to stay grounded, energized, and more confident when you speak. To attain that wonderful sense of presence, like you’re batting a thousand.

Even if you missed Spring Training, it’s never too late to find a practice field and hit a few.