When helping people to prepare for presentations or training events, I always tell them to think of all the things that can go wrong ( they will probably do this anyway ) but then to plan for how to deal with them.

Also, I encourage them to be flexible – e.g. don’t prepare a script, thinking that you’ll be able to stick to it and not forget what you want to say. What happens is that you rely completely on the script and, when something happens that interrupts you and makes you lose your place ( as it will ) you panic and can’t adapt.

In all fields, I believe confidence comes, not from trying to avoid setbacks, but in knowing you can handle them when they arise. So your rational visualising is an excellent idea.

Outcome visualization – where you visualize the outcome of your success eg: Your speech going perfectly, receiving a standing ovation.

Process visualization – where you visualize the steps necessary to achieve that success.

Rational visualization or coping rehearsal – where you visualize things going wrong and recovering from them.

I think the self-help achievement field has often focused on the first one – outcome visualization and called it “positive visualization”. I agree with you that it must be combined with action – it will only work if you do take some action.

But you’re more likely to take action if you use process visualization – because you’re actually seeing yourself taking specific actions.

And yes – actual physical rehearsal is really useful too. Thanks for your contribution.

Olivia

I believe that visualisation can be a powerful tool to shift the mindset away from fear and errors towards success and a positive outcome.

The often missed area with using visualisation is that is must be combine with action! Tiger Woods doesn’t just imagine the perfect golf swing, he backs it up with hours and hours of rehearsal.

I emphasize the important of rehearsal as a way to breakthrough fear and resistance with my clients.

Warwick John Fahy
Author, The One Minute Presenter