Owning The Stage Before The Stage

Last night at 11:00 PM I was outside, in the pitch-black dark, practicing my TEDx talk. It felt a little strange at first, but there is a purpose behind it.

When you get comfortable practicing in the same spot over and over, you risk getting too familiar with that environment. On the actual day of your TEDx talk, you will most likely be in a space you have only walked through once. You will not have that same comfort. Practicing in different and sometimes uncomfortable settings prepares you for that reality.

There is also something powerful about the mental confidence it gives you. If you can deliver your speech outside in the dark, you can handle the nerves of stepping onto the main stage. It is a reminder that the preparation process is not just about memorizing your words. It is about proving to yourself that you can deliver in any setting.

I captured that moment in a short video that you can watch here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/TUIccqVKV04?feature=share

Practicing in unexpected places is just one more way to make sure I am ready when the lights come on and the audience is waiting.