Patio Pondering: When Words Trip on the Stage

This morning on the patio, coffee in hand, I’m watching the mist drift off the pond. Soybean harvest started for us yesterday, and we’re gearing up for a busy week.

While working in the office and shop, I’ve been thinking about how much time I’ve spent sharpening my presentation and interviewing skills. Between watching YouTube videos from speaking coaches, listening to other presenters, and preparing for my podcast interviews, I’m trying to improve how I come across in public. Because of that, my ears are more tuned in than they used to be. I notice when a speaker is smooth, and I notice when they’re not.

This past weekend at a marching band competition, the PA announcer struggled. They stumbled over names. They tripped over prepared lines. At one point, they nearly forgot to announce some bands during the award ceremony. It was uncomfortable to listen to, not because of style differences, but because it was obvious they hadn’t practiced.

What struck me is that none of this was a surprise. The names, the script, the schedule—all of it was known well in advance. With just a little preparation—circling tough pronunciations, rehearsing transitions, reading through the band introductions—it could have gone much smoother. Preparation doesn’t mean simply reading word for word. It means being familiar enough with the material to deliver it naturally, without the audience wincing at stumbles.

I actually felt sorry for the announcer, because I’ve been there. Standing in front of a crowd isn’t easy, and I know how it feels to struggle with words. But it was also a reminder to myself: when we put our face or our voice in front of people, preparation is the difference between credibility and cringe.

So here’s what I’m pondering today: how do you prepare when your words are about to carry beyond the patio?