preparing with movement (and music?!)
Over time, my focus has expanded from perfecting graphs to exploring broader aspects of effective communication. This shift is reflected in my books, particularly in storytelling with you, where I share a number of preparation tactics I use leading up to an important presentation or speaking event. One of my favorites is “walking preparation”—practicing aloud as I walk around my neighborhood. (It works wonders, though I’m sure my neighbors have questions about why I’m so animated when talking to myself!)
Earlier this week, I was listening to the Huberman Lab Podcast featuring Dr. Andrew Huberman’s conversation with Dr. Ethan Kross. They discussed chatter (official title: How to Control Your Inner Voice & Increase Your Resilience) and how we can harness our inner voice for good. The conversation had an underlying theme of shifting one’s mental state in order to reach goals, which I found fascinating. It reminded me of some of my own prep routines and introduced a new idea that I’m eager to try.
One point they raised was about reciting internally as a way to commit things to memory. This resonated with me because it’s similar to something I already do: I’ll run through a presentation in my head during everyday moments, like while brushing my teeth or waiting for my coffee to brew. I’ve found this sort of low-pressure practice helpful for embedding key messages and transitions into my brain (you’ll hear the gents discuss this starting around 09:30 in the podcast).
The new idea they shared was about using music as a tool for preparation. They explained how music can shift your emotional state, making it an effective way to ready yourself for an important event. Athletes often use this strategy—think of Michael Phelps, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or other athletes you see with headphones on before a big race or game. The right playlist can help create focus, energy, or calm—whatever is most needed in the moment.
While I’ve experienced conferences using music for audience engagement as speakers walk on stage, I hadn’t thought of it as a personal prep tool. As a related aside, my own experience with “walk-on music” is a little cringeworthy: once, at a conference, I stepped on stage to Alicia Keys’ Girl on Fire. I hoped the audience didn’t think I picked the song—it left me feeling a bit like I’d accidentally walked into a cheesy movie montage! It did also cause me to wonder what song I would pick for that walk-on moment if given the choice.
All this has me reflecting on how movement and music—things we might not initially think of as part of “presentation prep”—can actually play an important role. Walking while practicing aloud helps me not only rehearse but also feel physically energized. Music, as I’m now learning, might add another layer of intentionality to how I prepare.
What about you—do you use movement, music, or other unconventional methods to get ready for a big presentation or event? I’d love to hear what works for you. (And if you have any walk-on song suggestions, I’m all ears—ideally something that’s less “on fire!”)
