„Practice in front of a mirror!” If I got a dollar for every time I heard this tip, I would not be writing this blog post now. The appeal of the advice is probably that it’s easy to do and kind of seems logical. Except it isn’t.
Here are three reasons, and the alternative:
1️ Your reflection is not you.
When you see your reflection, you don’t see the same thing as your audience members will. You see a mirrored image. It is why what you see in the mirror differs from your profile photo. If you want to know what your audience will see, you need another option.
2️ Your reflection is a fraction.
Few people have a large enough mirror to reflect the entirety of their practice space. For most of us, the mirrored area will be a fraction of your speaking space. Even if watching yourself in the mirror would be a good idea, you would not be able to see the entirety of your presentation. (Provided that you use your space well). If you want to see the full range of your movement on stage, you need another option.
3️ Your reflection is a distraction.
Most importantly, when you practice in front of a mirror, you do two things. You give your speech and analyze yourself (your reflection). The cost: you are not 100% focused on either activity. A not-so-focused delivery with not-so-focused feedback is less than ideal. Even if you think you save time with it. If you want quality, you need another option.
Don’t do it!
💡 What is that other option?
Simple.
Record yourself.
Focus 100% on delivery.
Then, focus 100% on analysis.
Grab that phone, stack it on that ironing board, and start recording!
All you need for your practice home studio.
p.s. For this method to work, you have to rewatch yourself. You might not enjoy this part. It’s normal. Get over it! 😎
If you want to improve your public speaking skills, reach out here.
For the Hungarian version of the post, click here.