Why Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect in Public Speaking

We’ve all heard the phrase “practice makes perfect.” Whether it’s learning a sport, studying for an exam, or preparing for a presentation, it’s the default advice. But when it comes to public speaking, this old saying can do more harm than good.

The truth is: practice doesn’t make perfect – practice makes permanent.

If you’re repeating the wrong habits, you’re not improving; you’re cementing mistakes.

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Why “More Practice” Isn't the Answer

Think of golf. You could hit hundreds of balls at the driving range every day, but if your swing is wrong, you’ll only get better at doing it badly. The same applies to speaking. Simply reciting a script over and over won’t help you connect with your audience – in fact, it can make you sound robotic, flat, and uninspired.

To grow as a speaker, you need to learn the right techniques first – and then practice those. That’s where real improvement happens.

Forget Perfection, Focus on Connection

One of the biggest traps I see is perfectionism. Speakers obsess over flawless delivery: no stumbles, no filler words, no mistakes. But striving for perfection puts all the pressure on you – how you look, how you sound.

The audience isn’t asking for perfection. They’re asking for connection.

When you shift your focus to telling stories, sharing real experiences, and speaking naturally, you become more engaging and relatable. I’ve seen it time and time again – imperfect but authentic presentations resonate far more than stiff, word-perfect ones.

How Much Should You Practice?

There’s a fine line between under-practicing and over-practicing. Too little, and you’ll wing it with shaky confidence. Too much, and you’ll drain the life out of your talk.

I call it the Goldilocks approach: practice enough to know your flow and key points, but not so much that you memorise every word. Focus on understanding your concepts, not memorising your script.

The Role of Feedback

Practice without feedback is like driving blind. But timing matters. If you ask for feedback too early, you risk being thrown off track. Practice a few times first, then seek constructive feedback from someone you trust – ideally a person with real speaking experience.

And if you don’t have a mentor? Record yourself. Yes, it’s painful at first, but watching yourself back is one of the fastest ways to identify strengths and weaknesses.

A Simple Exercise to Improve Fast

Instead of writing a dozen different speeches, focus on one. Deliver that same seven-minute speech 23 times over three months. Record yourself each time, review it, and make small adjustments.

By the end of that process, you’ll notice huge improvements – in confidence, voice modulation, body language, and overall presence.

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