Put your presentation skills training into action with this totally doable SlideShare! Based on the Rehearsal Process used in the theatre, you can build your own Rehearsal Calendar to make the most of your presentation preparation.

1. How to Build a Completely Doable
Presentation Rehearsal Calendar

2. We are big supporters of the rehearsal process.

3. As Professional Actors, we’ve seen it work
in the theatre time and time again.

4. The Rehearsal Process:
The scheduled procedure used in the theatre to
ensure that every production is successfully
prepared in time for opening night.

5. It is comprised of THREE major parts.

6. 1. The Read Through: When the actors sit and read through the script.
2. The Stumble Through: When the actors hold their scripts and
“stumble through” the pre-planned movement* of the show.
3. The Dress Rehearsal: Before an audience arrives, all of the pieces
are put together- costumes, sets, lights- without scripts.
*Pre-planned movement is known as blocking.

7. Using these steps when you rehearse for a presentation is the key
to applying your presentation skills training to real life.
But, how do you actually do it?

8. In the theatre, the stage manager and director work together to build
a Rehearsal Calendar according to the needs of the piece.
This calendar will establish milestones, based on the
Rehearsal Process, for the entire production.

9. And to make the most of your presentation rehearsal…
YOU NEED TO BUILD ONE, TOO.

10. Here’s how you do it.

11. Let’s assume you have a presentation
coming up in a month.

12. Weeks 1-2½:
Write (or finalize!) your script

13. Take an hour a day. Any hour you want.
Create your script, THEN build your PowerPoint.
You may adjust things as you rehearse- that’s OK!

14. Even if you tweak things later, what’s
important here is to nail down your
content.

15. Weeks 2½-3:
The Read Through

16. Still only an hour a day. (Nice!)
Simply sit and read through your content aloud.
Helps you get familiar with and assess your content.

17. The Read Through will help you:
Discover useful vocal choices.
Identify structural issues.
Assess presentation length.

18. Week 3:
Block it and Stumble Through

19. Take a week and decide on your blocking
(pre-planned movement).
Split your presentation into 10-20 minute
sections. Block one section a day.
At the end of each rehearsal, “stumble through”
everything you’ve done. Feel free to hold your notes.

20. The Stumble Through helps you:
Discover the most effective use of movement.
Build body/voice awareness.
Relate to your visual assistants.

21. Week 4:
Tech Week

22. In the theatre, “tech week” is when things like
lights and sets are added to rehearsals.
Start by running your PowerPoint as you rehearse.
(On your feet!)
Add elements like shoes and clothes as you go.

23. Tech Week gives you the opportunity to get
comfortable with all of your external elements,
a bit at a time.

24. Week 4, Days 6&7:
Dress Rehearsal

25. Your last 2 rehearsals should only be missing one thing- the audience.
Should be on your feet, dressed in presentation clothes, with all technology.
If possible, have one rehearsal in your presentation space.

26. Dress Rehearsal is your final chance to make
sure everything is ready to go before show time.

27. What if you don’t have a month?

28. Don’t worry! The Rehearsal Process can be
used for ANY length of time.
Simply adjust your calendar accordingly.

29. Building a Rehearsal Calendar (and using the
Rehearsal Process!) will give structure to your
presentation practice.

30. Your great presentation skills training
will come shining through.
(And it’s totally doable, right?)

31. Find more totally doable,
actionable content at
ovationcomm.com, or
download a “Q&A How
To” video here!