Top tips for writing a script for a presentation

Top tips for writing a script to present whether it's for a presentation, important meeting or if you're off networking.

Firstly make sure the script is easy for you to read.  Talk it though in your head, in a conversational style, rather than if you were writing copy for a website or a press release for a newspaper. Many of us make the simple mistake of writing a presentation as if it is to be read, rather than presented out loud.

When you write your script keep the lines quite short and to the point.  Keeping your sentences too long means that they're often difficult to read and you are more likely to make mistakes if you have to keep going without a breath.  Always pause for one or two   seconds at regular intervals to keep your composure and your place on the script.

Take about five minutes before presenting to relax and warm up your vocal chords Doh Ray Me for example, it really works.  You'll be nervous that's natural, but remember that nerves are not a bad thing, they often help you concentrate and keep you focused.  Once you get going you'll start to relax and you might even begin to enjoy it.

When writing your presentation use only about eight to ten words across the page.  If you notice scripts that news presenters use as a back up to their auto cue, they only use about half the page across and always use double line spacing.  This is because your eyes don't have to work as hard across the page and having it double spaced means its far easier to read.  You can also make notes such as highlighting certain words to help emphasise and this will hopefully stop you stumbling.

Always abbreviate words such as ‘It has' to It's and ‘there is' to there's, it makes it easier for you to read out loud and its what we do when we're in normal conversations anyway.

Try and smile when presenting, it helps convey warmth and sincerity.

Do not forget to summarise at the end of the presentation, as often important points are lost as peoples attention sometimes comes and goes - don't worry that is human instinct and not necessarily because you don't have anything interesting to say.

So to summarise

• Make a script easy to read - write it as if you would say it in conversation.
• Keep your sentences short and to the point.
• Relax five minutes before and warm up your vocal chords, keep some water close by.
• Keep the width of your text about half the length of your page across and double line spacing.  It's much easier on the eye.
• Don't be afraid to abbreviate words such as that is to that's, it is how we speak normally and you'll find the script easier to read.
• Always summarise what you have presented just to recap and that will then remain at the forefront of the audiences head,.

Finally smile and try not to rush your way through it, rushing through a script makes it more likely that you will trip up, so slow down and try and enjoy it.

Happy presenting!

Author

Paul Smith

Reactive Audio