The Power of Practice: What I Learned Watching Naomi Osaka

Last month at the US Open, I had the chance to watch former champion Naomi Osaka on the practice courts. The matches were electrifying, but it was in the practice sessions where true mastery revealed itself.

If you want to grow as a keynote speaker, here are three powerful lessons I took away:

1. Practice with purpose
Naomi wasn’t just hitting balls—she was intentional. Every swing, every step, had focus. As speakers, we should approach practice the same way: refining our openings, transitions, and signature stories, not just clicking through slides.

2. Build your stamina
Tennis players don’t simply perfect their strokes; they train their bodies to endure long matches. For speakers, this means strengthening our voice, presence, and mindset so we can deliver with energy and confidence—even under pressure.

3. Prepare for the unexpected
Osaka’s coach constantly shifted the pace—fast balls, slow balls, tricky angles—so she could adapt. For us, this looks like being ready when the microphone cuts out, the slides freeze, or a tough question comes our way.

Great athletes don’t just show up. They prepare until the game feels like second nature. The same is true for speakers: practice isn’t optional—it’s the pathway to excellence.