For most of my regular speeches, I have a process of sitting down and writing out all of my thoughts as though I'm a speech writer for someone else. I then will read it out loud to myself and think about what works and doesn't work for me. After that I usually break from the script altogether and start honing my verbal ideas (maybe only using a few bullet points if there is a specific line I want to memorize entirely or something I want to make sure I don't miss). But once I have a really good working idea of what I want to say, I will often then use a physical Method of Loci approach where I use my physical space on the stage to give myself prompts on the specific places in time for each section of the speech. I've found I can do that and still make it look just like natural use of the space.
For my recent TEDx talk, the lead coach had us try out a process where we started with the 7-word idea and then created little notes for "head, heart, and core" messaging (those that are data driven, those that are emotionally drive, and those that speak to the core of the idea), and then from there we worked on scripting. It was an interesting approach, but I honestly wasn't grooving as well with it until I really just sat down and wrote out some sections of what my talk could be. (Though, admittedly, when I was on stage, it was the first time in a long time that I really lost my place in a talk and ended up going way off script - I still hit the key ideas and sections of my talk, but I bet my words sounded a lot more "off the cuff" than they would have otherwise).
What a useful breakdown of presentation styles! It seems like the presentation style would need to adapt to the situation. When acting, I know the script so well that I don't worry about the words and can focus on the emotions, etc. of the moment on stage. When presenting under a tight timeframe, I find myself presenting to the clock and rehearse these talks with a stopwatch. I am in this situation next week where I am presenting a lot of material in a short period of time. These to me are one of the toughest talks to prepare and pull off. So, I guess, being flexible is the key and having your styles breakdown is really helpful. We must all be snowflakes for the Q&A?
Love this breakdown. I’m a “time marker” I’m giving a workshop and a “memorizer” when I keynote. I have a list of talking points on the podium and if/when I forget, I walk back to podium to remind myself of what to part of the story to share next. I can’t use a teleprompter because my eyes are so clearly reading back and forth! And I will never snowflake! I end up rambling if I don’t have at least an outline.
I often use a mix of approaches as well.
For most of my regular speeches, I have a process of sitting down and writing out all of my thoughts as though I'm a speech writer for someone else. I then will read it out loud to myself and think about what works and doesn't work for me. After that I usually break from the script altogether and start honing my verbal ideas (maybe only using a few bullet points if there is a specific line I want to memorize entirely or something I want to make sure I don't miss). But once I have a really good working idea of what I want to say, I will often then use a physical Method of Loci approach where I use my physical space on the stage to give myself prompts on the specific places in time for each section of the speech. I've found I can do that and still make it look just like natural use of the space.
For my recent TEDx talk, the lead coach had us try out a process where we started with the 7-word idea and then created little notes for "head, heart, and core" messaging (those that are data driven, those that are emotionally drive, and those that speak to the core of the idea), and then from there we worked on scripting. It was an interesting approach, but I honestly wasn't grooving as well with it until I really just sat down and wrote out some sections of what my talk could be. (Though, admittedly, when I was on stage, it was the first time in a long time that I really lost my place in a talk and ended up going way off script - I still hit the key ideas and sections of my talk, but I bet my words sounded a lot more "off the cuff" than they would have otherwise).
Thanks Graham! Even with the glitch I’d love to see the TEDx talk.
Many thanks! They haven't posted the video yet, but I'm hoping they share them soon.
What a useful breakdown of presentation styles! It seems like the presentation style would need to adapt to the situation. When acting, I know the script so well that I don't worry about the words and can focus on the emotions, etc. of the moment on stage. When presenting under a tight timeframe, I find myself presenting to the clock and rehearse these talks with a stopwatch. I am in this situation next week where I am presenting a lot of material in a short period of time. These to me are one of the toughest talks to prepare and pull off. So, I guess, being flexible is the key and having your styles breakdown is really helpful. We must all be snowflakes for the Q&A?
thanks Ed. Yes, I think q & a can be prepared, but must indeed be more unique and tailored. Great insights.
Love this breakdown. I’m a “time marker” I’m giving a workshop and a “memorizer” when I keynote. I have a list of talking points on the podium and if/when I forget, I walk back to podium to remind myself of what to part of the story to share next. I can’t use a teleprompter because my eyes are so clearly reading back and forth! And I will never snowflake! I end up rambling if I don’t have at least an outline.
Thank you JD for this great breakdown. When are you coming back to Montreal?
I hope in February!