Want To Create an Impact With Your Next Presentation? Consider Writing a Script.

Today was a big day at work. We delivered a high-stakes client presentation, and I have been pleasantly surprised at the number of positive responses our team has received from our internal stakeholders and client partners.

I’ve been reflecting on what we did differently, and the most significant thing was — we had scripted, timed, and rehearsed our presentation. I know this is not everyone’s preferred strategy, and honestly, it was not necessarily mine either, but I have been blown away by the impact it created.

Here are the benefits of scripting a presentation

1. You come across as more authoritative. Preparing a tightly scripted presentation helps keep the “uhs” and “ums” at bay. And there could not be a more significant way to create that impact. It makes you present your work with clarity, authority, and control. It also helps tremendously with the nervous energy.
2. It helps you take charge of the narrative. With a script in hand, you get to choose which slides on the deck receive the spotlight. By preparing and scripting a presentation, you can prioritize the takeaways you want to focus on, thus controlling the narrative and impact you have on your audience.
3. You look good when you prepare and structure your thoughts. Above all, it is a good look when you come so well-prepared for a meeting.

Here are some tips on scripting your next presentation

1. Write conversationally. Your script is most effective when it makes you come off as a smart conversationist, not a clear academic.
2. Write iteratively. As you practice your presentation, consider iteratively tweaking your script.
3. Practice. It goes without saying that you need to read your script a few times to avoid stumbling over your own writing.

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