Illustration: Getty Images.
Presidential candidates practice debating with advisors acting as their opponents .
Debate preparation has been important since the first televised debate in 1960.
Kennedy was prepared for TV, while Nixon was not.
In a recent debate preparation , Kamala Harris practiced with a stand-in opponent pretending to be Trump.
Similarly, Trump prepared with advisors asking tough questions and former opponent Tulsi Gabbard’s help.
Business leaders also need to prepare for interviews and meetings to perform well.
Getting feedback and practicing ahead of time can help improve performance .
It’s important to be prepared for investor pitches, media interviews, and Zoom meetings.
Getting honest feedback can help improve performance and preparation .
Asking for tough feedback can lead to better preparation and performance .
Preparation /ˌprɛpəˈreɪʃən/ noun
The action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration.
Performance /pərˈfɔːrməns/ noun
The act of carrying out or accomplishing an action task or function.
Feedback /ˈfiːdˌbæk/ noun
Information or criticism about a completed task or project used as a basis for improvement.
Investors /ɪnˈvɛstərz/ noun
Individuals or organizations that commit capital with the expectation of obtaining financial returns.
Advisors /ədˈvaɪzərz/ noun
Individuals who provide guidance or recommendations on a particular subject.
Opponents /əˈpoʊ.nənts/ noun
Individuals or groups opposed to someone or something especially in a debate or competition.
How much do you know?
Who practiced with a stand-in opponent pretending to be Trump in a recent debate preparation?
Kamala Harris
Joe Biden
Donald Trump
Mike Pence
Which former opponent assisted Trump in his debate preparation?
Barack Obama
Tulsi Gabbard
Bernie Sanders
Elizabeth Warren
What can help business leaders perform well in interviews and meetings?
Eating a big breakfast
Taking a nap
Preparing ahead of time
Ignoring feedback
What is important for individuals to be prepared for according to the text?
Cooking gourmet meals
Investor pitches, media interviews, and Zoom meetings
Skydiving on weekends
Playing video games
How can getting honest feedback help individuals?
It can lower self-confidence
It has no impact
It can improve performance and preparation
It can lead to arguments
What can asking for tough feedback lead to?
Bad hair days
Better preparation and performance
Ignoring feedback
Getting fired
