Impromptu

20Rehearse Your Remarks

When Texas Governor Rick Perry was campaigning in 2011 to be U.S. president, he was asked in a TV debate how he would cut federal spending. He responded, “It's three agencies of government when I get there that are gone: commerce, education, and the uh…what's the third one, there? Let's see.”¹ He made it worse by adding “Oops.” One of the other debaters offered a suggestion. But it was too late. Perry will always be remembered as the presidential candidate who blew it by forgetting that third agency. Ironically in 2017 Perry was appointed to head up that very department he had forgotten: energy.

Such stumbles usually come because the individual did not rehearse. That lapse is particularly surprising in a political debate, which has an element of predictability. After all, most candidates have their talking points down cold. Wisdom dictates rehearsals with someone to play the opponent(s). This holds true whether in politics, business, or personal situations.

This chapter focuses on rehearsing, and introduces Part V of the book—getting ready to perform. Rehearsals are a great way to move into high gear, but once on the small stages of extemporaneous speaking you'll also need to choose your words, use improv techniques, and achieve a leadership presence with your voice and body language. All these topics will be covered in the remainder of this book.

But first, the rehearsals. Successful spontaneity is a practiced art. There are times when you'll want ...