TRAIN FOR THE MOMENT
Andrea Pacini —
In 1960, a group of young African American students in Nashville led a series of nonviolent sit-ins to challenge segregated lunch counters. Their courage shaped history, supported by hours of preparation.
Under the guidance of civil rights leader James Lawson, they roleplayed real-world scenarios. They practised how to stay calm while being threatened or attacked. They rehearsed with intention – knowing the pressure they would face. When the time came, they were ready – because they had trained for it.
That approach holds a powerful lesson for presenters.
If you expect a tough room, don’t practise in silence. Simulate real conditions. Ask a colleague to interrupt you, question your ideas or look disengaged. Create tension – on purpose – so you can build your resilience in a safe space.
This kind of rehearsal improves your ability to stay grounded under pressure. Good preparation is about training for what the moment might bring. If you rehearse for difficulty, you’re less likely to be shaken when it shows up.
This reflection is adapted from Timeless Presenter, my book on the principles of communication that never expire.