Brief Summary
This video provides a guide on how to avoid sounding scripted during presentations. The key is to avoid writing out the entire speech word-for-word. Instead, focus on identifying the core message, brainstorming related ideas, narrowing down to the top five, creating a simple outline, and practicing out loud. Recording and reviewing these practice sessions can further refine the presentation. If a written script is required for approval, create it from a transcript of a practiced, conversational delivery.
- Avoid writing out your speech word-for-word to sound more natural.
- Focus on the key message and supporting ideas.
- Practice speaking out loud and refine your delivery through review.
- If a written script is required, generate it from a transcript of your spoken practice.
Avoid Sounding Scripted
The primary goal is to avoid sounding phony or contrived during a presentation. While it's important to be prepared, reading from a script can make you sound unnatural. The key is to strike a balance between preparation and spontaneity to engage the audience effectively.
Eliminate Script Danger
The most effective way to avoid sounding scripted is to refrain from writing out the speech word for word. Unless the speech is of historical significance where every word will be analyzed, it's better to focus on sounding fresh and conversational. The biggest challenge most speakers face is not that their words will be scrutinized, but that their message might be forgotten.
Focus on Key Message
Instead of starting by writing a full script, identify the one key action you want your audience to take after your presentation, such as voting, investing, or hiring. Then, consider the ideas, facts, and numbers that would motivate them to take that action. This approach shifts the focus from perfect wording to delivering a compelling message.
Avoid Writing Full Script
Before writing anything down, determine the primary takeaway you want your audience to remember. Then, brainstorm all the related ideas, facts, and figures that could support and motivate your audience toward that goal. The initial brainstorming should be free-flowing, without concern for order, accuracy, or political correctness.
Brainstorm Ideas
After brainstorming a list of ideas, facts, and figures, narrow it down to the top five messages. This is a critical step that separates great speakers from ineffective ones. It requires eliminating less impactful points to focus on what will truly resonate with the audience and drive them to take the desired action.
Narrow Down Messages
For each of the top five messages, think of a specific example that illustrates the point and makes it more understandable for the audience. Ideally, these examples should be personal stories about real interactions and how problems were resolved. Write down a few keywords to remind you of each situation.
Create Simple Outline
Create a simple outline with your five key ideas, each expressed in ten words or less, focusing on one subject, one verb, and one object. Then, for each idea, jot down a word or two to remind you of a personal story or example that illustrates the point. This outline will serve as a roadmap for your presentation.
Practice Out Loud
Practice the presentation out loud in a private setting, recording it on video. Focus on being conversational and natural, without worrying about perfect phrasing. Review the recording, identify what you like and dislike, and repeat the process, incorporating more of what works and less of what doesn't.
Record and Review
After practicing and refining your presentation, you can use a simple outline on a single sheet of paper with bullet points and a few keywords per line. This serves as a road map, allowing you to glance down occasionally and speak naturally about the concepts. This approach helps you sound fresh and conversational.
Submit for Approval
If you need to submit your speech for approval or have it printed, record a video of your practiced presentation and have the audio transcribed into text. This ensures that the written version reflects your natural speaking style. While the transcript may contain repetitions or sentence fragments, it captures the essence of your authentic delivery. You can then edit and refine the written version for distribution, while maintaining the conversational tone of your spoken presentation.
