The investment of scripting your presentation on the front end generally yields a significant return on the other side.
An often-debated topic in speech preparation is should one’s speech be scripted? In working with many of my clients, one of the challenges they are faced with is not having enough time to invest in developing their communication or presentations.
A question I am often asked is, “Do I really need to write out my script for what I want to say or present?” My answer is, “It depends.” There are several variables that go into that equation; however, my preference is to write out my script, and here’s why:
Why you should write out your script:
1. Clarity.
Writing out what I want to say provides me with clarity. Scripting occurs after I have researched and organized my ideas. I find that when I write out my script for a presentation, the ideas I want to convey become sharper and more focused. In today’s business world, audiences (especially senior-level audiences) don’t have the time or patience for ideas or thoughts that ramble or are not well-articulated.
2. Fluidity.
Scripting can also help with transitioning from one point to the next point. One area some of my clients seek help with is linking their ideas in a logical flow. Crafting transition statements in a draft script can be useful to strengthen how you tie your points together.
3. Practice.
With a script of my presentation, it’s easier to learn my content. Even though I script my speech, I don’t memorize it. My first practice round is what is called a ‘table read’ where I can listen or record my content, decide where I need to pause and note where I can add more emphasis to particular words or phrases in my presentation with my tone of voice.
4. Timing.
Scripting also allows me to get a sense of the timing of my presentation. On average, people speak at 150 words per minute. Therefore, a 10-minute speech is about 1,500 words. I use this formula as a guide so that I know how much content I need to prepare to meet the presentation’s time requirements.
Scripting my speech does not mean that I will read my speech to my audience. In my experience, I have found that scripting can make a difference in my choice of words, flow, and delivery of my presentations. And ultimately, this leads to better speech performance.