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Key points
- Rehearsing is an underappreciate tool in preparing for events that you might not think to prepare for.
- Rehearsing in front of a mirror or recorded on your phone can give you valuable feedback.
- Rehearsing what you plan to eat and drink at an event likely yields results that are imperfect but better than if you hadn't done so.
We think of rehearsing for a performance, job interview, or wedding toast, but it can be helpful in other situations
Events such as a date, work gathering, or party
Here's how you might rehearse:
Picture how you’d like to be as you first meet: Your posture, facial expression, and gait. Rehearse that, maybe in front of a mirror.
If you’re worried you’d be boring or have nothing to say, pretend that you had one minute to talk about something interesting, what would it be: Something you’re looking forward to? An observation about current events? Something funny, surprising, or otherwise interesting that happened to you?
Are you afraid of being asked something? For example, at a work TGIF, you might be afraid that a co-worker will ask about your progress on that project, which, as it happens, is stalled. Your rehearsal might first consist of writing down a response that’s honest yet suggests competence, for example, “Well, we’ve had a couple setbacks but moving forward, I’m cautiously optimistic.” Rehearse that a couple times but don’t memorize it. Not only would you sound scripted, chances are their question will be at least slightly different and if you’re wedded to your script, you’re likely to fumble.
If you’re worried about overdrinking, rehearse what you’d do: Nurse that drink or ask for a non-alcoholic beverage? Are you worried about overeating? In advance, when that mouthwatering food isn't there to stifle your willpower, imagine how you’d feel physically and psychologically if you porked out. Now think about what you’d want your plate to look like: How full? How calorific? How about the dessert plate? In the heat of the moment, you may not perform quite as planned, but you’ll likely do better than you otherwise would have.
Difficult conversations
Perhaps you’re dreading having to ask a loved one to change, or to talk with someone whose political views passionately differ from yours. Your rehearsal might include everything from avoiding the topic to direct confrontation. In any event, it’s easier to decide in advance what to do: How could you word it so that the Wise One within you will be pleased afterward?
What if you need to have a potentially fraught conversation with your boss, whether in a performance review, asking for a raise, or apologizing for a mistake? Run through your pitch and, importantly, what you'd say if you got a negative response. For example, in a performance review, what would you say if your boss dinged you for a weakness that you thought was no big deal? Consider writing a model answer and ad-lib based on that.
Medical appointments
Many people are anxious at a health care appointment, whether it’s regarding physical or mental health That makes it hard to really listen and easy to forget what you want to ask. Your rehearsal could consist simply of making a list of what you want to ask about. Bring it with you.
The takeaway
So, do you have an upcoming event that might benefit from rehearsal?
I read this aloud on YouTube.
