Ditch the Script! Internalize (Don’t Memorize!) Your Presentation

by Jenna Lange

Plenty of presenters prepare scripts. They write out what they want to say, word for word, and read from a teleprompter. And the pandemic made this easier for all of us. We took tips from TV news casters and learned how to step 2 feet back from our screens, increase the font size on our scripts, pause and look at the camera and come across flawless.  

But was it flawless? Here’s the problem: your audience knows when you’re reading. They’re smart. They know it's a scripted delivery. Which makes it hard to show real emotions, be relatable and really connect with your audience. We’re social beings! We want to converse, to connect, to speak with passion and energy and connect on the topics we care most about.

So what do you do? Wing it? Or memorize your script and spend hours and hours rehearsing so it sounds conversational?

Both. I realize that is not an ideal answer, but for some high stakes moments, memorizing and rehearsing until it sounds like a conversation is key. For example, you are fundraising for your company. That's a script worthy of memorization. An off-site meeting or customer event? Maybe not. So what do you do?

Preparation for any presentation – live or in-person – is critical. So, yes! Put in the time and PRACTICE. But here is what to practice. Practice transitions. Practice your opening. Practice your close. Know your three main ideas - but don't practice and memorize so much that you can’t loosen up and speak naturally. 

When you memorize a speech or read from a script, you lose the magic of improvisation. You can come across as stiff and robotic. You build a wall between you and the audience. Leave some room for original remarks. Make space for your personality so you can bridge a connection.

Focus on key messages and transitions – not memorization! 

Imagine you hear someone telling a friend what they heard in your talk... what would they realistically say? They would probably remember one main idea and a story. So how do you prepare so they can remember just a little bit more?

Instead of writing a word-for-word script and memorizing, I encourage my clients to prepare key messages and transitions. Key messages are what you want them to remember. Transitions allow your audience to stay tuned in enough to remember a key message. And transitions are so important, they are worthy of memorization. Transitions are gold. They provide the street signs for the journey of your talk. They are how you move between main ideas. When you have memorized a transition statement like, "And that's why transformation is key..." you know what the next chapter of your story needs to be.  That gives you the freedom to elaborate on one section with the comfort of knowing how you get to the next.

Transitions should be clear and inviting. For example, "Now let's look at what happens when you don't innovate quickly...." Or, if you are talking about how a product works for a particular client you might say, “Here’s how this dashboard works in real life….” Having these prompts prepared is a great way to naturally move through a presentation without being overly scripted. 

Focusing on transitions only is not enough. After you say that great transition statement, you have to know what you are saying next! But if you are going to memorize anything so you can look at your audience and connect, make it those transitions.

Practice, practice, practice

Preparing key messages and transitions only, still requires practice and finesse. But it allows you to think of your presentation more like a guide versus a strict set of rules.

Write down each of the key points you want to cover in your presentation. And then practice sharing those key messages out-loud. Record your presentation into a voice memo on your phone when you are out on a walk. Then listen to it. Does it sound engaging? When are you bored and distracted? Do you need more stories? Get comfortable running through your key takeaways, noting the time (do you need more messages or fewer? Do you need to go into more detail or less? Pro tip: probably less!).

As you perform some practice runs of your presentation, think about where you can add more stories that help make your key messages relevant. Is there a place you can add..."this reminds me of a moment two years ago when..."

And, finally, consider how much your audience knows about your topic. Are you using industry jargon or technical terms that require an explanation? How much backstory do they need to grasp your key messages? Make sure your content is accessible to your audience.

Keep it fun, keep it human

Yes, you need to be prepared. You need to practice. But when you get up on that stage, or take the space up in a conference room, remember to have fun. If you see someone laugh, laugh with them. If someone raises their hand to answer one of your questions with a ton of energy - mention that. Say something like "Wow - that was quick - you are excited to share - tell me more". That moments shifts the energy in the room so the audience feels like they are PART of your presentation. Remember - the audience wants to have fun - and if you look like you are having fun - they will too!

Remember to color outside the lines. Delivering your presentation word-for-word is like paint by numbers. Yes, you might get a perfect picture - but coloring outside the lines is more fun! As you prepare for in-person stages, don’t forget the reason you’re showing up: to connect.

Check out my LinkedIn Live where I give my TOP TIPS for preparing for your next high stakes event!