3-part “Toolkit” to prepare and deliver a spectacular presentation | Public Speaking Essentials (Part 2)

2 of 6 quick to-do elements to significantly enhance your presentation; extroverts may find this preparatory toolkit good-to-have, but introverts will find this VITAL:

3. Crafting a Presentation Script

Extroverts never seem to need a script, but they can still captivate an audience, much to the scorn of introverts haha. For even a five-minute presentation, an introvert would likely need to write a verbose script (detailed to the hilt!); whilst the much-envied extrovert can reel off an invisible (meaning non-existent) script yet still riveting and coherent. Consider a solo presentation lasting an hour, an introvert’s nightmare! The rule of three is quite useful when it comes to script craft; divide each script into three or four broad parts (you can begin with bullet points) and then construct elaborative words around each point. Don’t stress over connecting the points just yet. If you initially familiarize yourself with the points, then throughout your rehearsals, when you ask yourself, “How are the points connected?” links will virtually materialize out of nowhere.

For example: Example: You’re preparing for a one-hour workshop on MBSR (techniques that have gained traction and popularity amongst the corporate executives) Minfulness Based Stress Reduction/ Management. Start by breaking each section of your presentation into four broad points:

Slide 1: “The Science Behind Our Stresses” (bullet points: how stress affects the brain through serotonin, the intrinsic fight-or-flight response, long-term effects if left ill-managed). – Simplified? The WHAT
Slide 2: “Uncover Your Stresses’ Origins” (bullet points: personal, professional, environmental factors) – Simplified? The WHERE
Slide 3: “What Exactly Is Mindfulness” (bullet points: Is it religious in nature? Meditation’s benefits) – Simplified? The WHO
Slide 4: “Effective Mindfulness-Based Stress-Reduction Techniques” (bullet points: breathing exercises, time management tips, meditation cues) – Simplified? The HOW

Familiarize yourself with the main ideas first. Then, during rehearsals, practice linking them with smooth transitions, like: “Now that we understand WHERE our stresses emanate, let’s explore WHO can rely on to tackle it – Mindfulness.”

4. Tenacious Hook: Continue to Pique Your Audience’s Curiosity

Expert presenters frequently employ the “delay-framing” strategy, which is the timely disclosure of a concept or talent by bite-sized bits of relevant information, to keep their audience on the edge of their seats and desire more from them. Instead of giving away all the secrets of investing, for instance, if I were giving a speech on stock investing, I might say something like, “In this keynote, I’m going to unreservedly share with you the 7-steps strategy in which I’ve crystallized 25 years of experience as an investment banker as well as knowledge that I’ve gleaned from renowned billionaire wealth managers.” You must become an insider of the game before you can ever master it; otherwise, the rules will harm you. Charges! Charges that are hidden! Brokers receive recurring commission payments! Let’s discuss this so that…”; you have successfully postponed the disclosure, leaving your audience intrigued and eager for more!

For example: Example: Let’s say you are doing a public speaking workshop. Start by saying: “Show of hands, how many of you have watched TED talk videos before? Remember those public speakers? Today, I’m going to share with you a guarded technique that has helped TED speakers captivate millions of people around the world. BUT BEFORE I reveal the secret, let’s first determine the commonly seen “fatal” errors that lead to unsuccessful presentations.” This keeps your viewers interested throughout by building suspense and postponing the big reveal.

Stay tune for part 3 where we share the tools that you can utilize to 1. Practice the right way, and 2. Portray equanimity & poise