Practice vs. Reps

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General Overview

Conversation Summary: The speaker discusses the difference between "reps" and "practice" when it comes to improving one's speaking and presentation skills. [22:27] She argues that practice, where one repeatedly rehearses and drills content, can actually be detrimental and lead to being disconnected from the material. [25:49] Instead, she advocates for a "reps" approach, where one integrates the desired speaking techniques and tactics into their daily routine and conversations. [23:38] This allows the skills to become more naturally integrated and accessible.

Interviewee Background: The speaker is Tracy Goodwin, an internationally known voice expert and award-winning speaker who has taught hundreds of people around the world to improve their speaking and presentation skills. [29:25]

Key Points

• The speaker is not a fan of traditional "practice" where one repeatedly rehearses content, as this can lead to being disconnected from the material and put the speaker in "retrieval mode" when delivering. [22:27]

• Instead, she advocates for a "reps" approach, where one integrates the desired speaking techniques and tactics into their daily routine and conversations. [23:38]

• Reps help the skills become more naturally integrated and accessible, rather than feeling like a separate "practice" activity. [23:37]

• The speaker believes that warming up before a big presentation is also not necessary if one has properly integrated the desired speaking skills through reps. [10:01]

• She suggests that each person has an optimal number of "practice" reps, often around 2-4, beyond which additional practice can be counterproductive. [14:57]

Notable Quotes

"I believe warm ups the same when these big names have walked up to me wanting to know about working with me, wanting to know information. [08:57] It doesn't even have to be big names. It could be anybody. Anybody blindside me? What comes out of warming up? [10:35] Why would I not want that in my muscle memory all the time?" (13:15)

"I want you to stop telling yourself you have to practice. 

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