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Presentation script examples

Crafting an impactful presentation script is as easy as Voice-1-2-3 with our free script resources . Here, you can access multiple presentation script examples to help you learn how to write an impactful and innovative presentation script. As a leader in voice over services, Voice123 offers an innovative approach to scriptwriting that’s bound to elevate your next presentation script. Let’s get started!

What is a presentation script?

A presentation script is a written outline for a presentation, which details key talking points, cues for visual aids such as slides or props, and a structured outline to guide the presenter. Presentation scripts typically break down the dialogue for the speaker to read, details of the product/service being promoted, and voice over instructions, effectively communicating the company’s message and motivating audiences to action. Scripts for presentations also help to ensure that the speaker stays on track and delivers a structured, coherent, and engaging presentation.

Presenters use different presentation script platforms like Google Slides or PowerPoint to write scripts for presentation, particularly because these platforms allow you to write notes that aren’t visible to the audience and add voice overs. For a detailed explanation, you can check out our guide on how to record audio on PowerPoint and how to add audio to Google Slides . For example, a financial presentation script for shareholders might include instructions and additional notes for the presenter to explain complex financial data along with cues for when to change slides or use visuals.

Here are three presentation script examples showcasing the importance of a structured outline, direction notes for the presenter, and cues for visual aids.

Presentation Scripts #1: The importance of a structured outline

Project Type : Request for funding from investors.

Target Audience : Investors, business owners, key tech-industry players 

Presentation Length : 15:00

Presentation Script Outline:

Introduction – 2.30 minute

• Greet investors and express appreciation for their time
• Identify and describe the problem that your business idea seeks to solve

Funding Request – 6 minutes

• Clearly articulate your business idea and how it solves the identified problem
• Detail the unique selling points of your solution in comparison to existing alternatives
• Explain how your business will generate revenue and achieve profitability
• Outline your approach to reaching out to and acquiring customers
• Present key financial projections over the next 5 years
• Specify the amount of funding required and what it will be used for
• Discuss how the funding will help achieve business objectives and growth

Information for Investors – 4 minutes

• Highlight potential exit strategies for investors
• Discuss potential return on investment for investors

Conclusion – 2.30 minutes

• Reiterate the business idea and its potential
• Express confidence in the team’s ability to execute the plan
• Thank the investors and express appreciation for their time
• Invite questions from the investors 

Presentation Scripts #2: The importance of direction notes

Project Type : Company financial report  

Target audience : Investors, shareholders, company executives, and board members.

Direction notes : Comfortable, calm speaking pace, slower when explaining facts and figures. Use a friendly, conversational manner. Something like Stanley Tucci’s soothing style. 

Presentation length : 15:00

Dialogue Script:

(Friendly, welcoming tone) “Good morning, and welcome to our quarterly earnings report.” 

(Slower speaking pace and a calm, moderate tone) “I’m extremely pleased to announce that we’ve seen steady growth in the last three months with a 10% revenue increase and cost reduction of 5%.”

(Normal speaking pace, confident tone) “We’ve also launched several new products and received positive feedback from customers. It’s our belief that a continued focus on innovation and customer satisfaction will drive future growth.”

(Comfortable, conversational tone) “And though we face the challenge of increasing competition in certain markets, we’re confident that our dedicated team and proactive approach will continue to deliver strong results. Thank you for your time.”

Presentation Scripts #3: The importance of cues for visual aids

Project Type : Product launch 

Target Audience : Consumers from a specific target audience  

Presentation Length : 20:00

Visuals: 

• Images of the product from different angles
• Close-up visuals of the product’s features
• Closing call to action slide for consumers

“Hello, everyone; I’m excited to present our latest product line today.” 

“Our team has worked tirelessly to develop a range of new and improved products to meet your needs. These products are high-quality, user-friendly, and offer excellent value for money.”

(Display product images)

“And since our research team determined that convenience, durability, and versatility are what you’re after, we’re convinced this new product range ticks all the boxes.”

(Display product features visuals)

“We’re also offering special discounts for those of you who want to take advantage of early promos, so now is the perfect time to place an order.”

(Display slide with a call to action info)

“Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to learning how our project has made a difference in your life.” 

 How to write a presentation script

You can write a presentation script by following these 10 steps:

1. Start with something catchy

Use a striking statistic, a thought-provoking question, or an interesting fact to make audiences sit up and pay attention. Example: “By the end of this presentation, you’ll know exactly how to increase your consumer database by 40%!”

2. Tailor your message to your audience 

Use relatable language that speaks directly to their wants and needs. Example: “As a tech founder, you seek ways to secure your business. That’s where our innovative solution can help you.”

3. Keep your points concise  

Write with simple, jargon-free language, and avoid going off on tangents. Example: “Our product can streamline your finance processes efficiently and within minutes. Here’s how it works.”

4. Use intriguing visuals  

Utilize graphs, images, colors, and videos instead of lines of text to break up statistics, words, and numbers. Example: “This color chart highlights the company’s sales for the last 6 months, and if you follow the color diagram …’ 

5. Tell a story with your presentation script

Relate how the product or brand started and where the idea originated. Example: ” I started this company as a broke college student with a dream. Today, that dream has become a team of 500 in national offices. “

6. Use humor and personal anecdotes  

These will engage audiences and make your presentation memorable. Example: ” I thought this software would be a huge, immediate success. But then I realized I didn’t test it on Apple computers.”

7. Make it interactive 

Ask questions and get feedback from your audience to focus their attention on your scripts for presentation. Example: “Raise your hand if you’ve experienced this problem in your own business.”

8. End with a call to action  

Encourage audiences to take a specific course of action. Example: “For more info on our product, please speak to us after the presentation. We’d love to answer any questions you have.”

9. Rehearse your script 

This ensures a smooth delivery and will help you get settled with your audience before you speak. Example: “I’ve practiced this presentation in front of my colleagues, family, and friends, but if I forget something, please bear with me.’ 

10. Infuse passion into the delivery 

If you believe in what you’re saying, your audience will likely believe it too. Example: “My aim is not to sell you a product. My aim is to help you solve a problem and achieve your goals.”

Final thoughts on a presentation script

And there you have it! The 10 tips on how to write a presentation script that will leave a lasting impression on audiences. So when you’re writing scripts for presentations, don’t forget the importance of a structured outline, direction notes, and cues for visuals.  Now why not consider hiring a voice actor from Voice123 for a professional touch to your presentation scripts? You can also receive customized options and streamlined payments with our Managed Services.  

So get ready to create presentation scripts people will talk about long after the curtains close.

FAQs for presentation script

You can write a presentation script by starting with a catchy opening, tailoring your message to audience needs, delivering concise and well-supported points, incorporating captivating visuals, weaving in storytelling and personal anecdotes, injecting humor, encouraging interactivity, including a clear call-to-action, rehearsing your script, and infusing passion into your delivery.

You can start a presentation script by greeting your audience, introducing yourself, stating the topic of your presentation, and providing a brief overview or agenda of what you’ll be covering.

A presentation script should include a captivating introduction, followed by an overview or agenda detailing the points to be covered, and the main body comprising a detailed explanation of these points with relevant examples and visuals.

Before starting a presentation, you typically greet your audience, introduce yourself, and clearly state the topic of your presentation, along with a brief overview or agenda of the key points you will be covering.

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How to write a presentation script and practice your presentation the right way

Should you write a script for your presentation?

Should you practice your presentation?

The answer is yes and yes, but chances are neither of these are what you think they are.

Hear me out.

When I talk about a presentation script , most people assume I’m talking about a word for word document that must be memorized or read to the audience.

When I talk about practicing a presentation, most people assume I’m talking about:

(a) reading that script, word for word until it’s memorized, and

(b) practicing the entire presentation from start to finish, over and over again.

As a result, most people think scripting and practicing a presentation take a lot of extra time when working on a presentation.

None of that is true.

When done correctly, you script and practice your presentation in the same step AND most of it doesn’t even involve doing an extra step.

Good thing you found your way to my article, because today you’re going to learn how to write a presentation script and how to practice your presentation the right way.

Hi! 👋 I’m Dr. Echo Rivera and I train academics, scientists, and educators how to create engaging presentations. While you’re here, make sure you check out my FREE training on engaging presentations.

Before I share my unique scripting/practicing system, let’s make sure this blog post was written for you.

This blog post was made for academics, scientists, and educators.

The strategies shared in this post were tailored to presentations such as:

class lectures,

conference presentations,

teaching demos,

training workshops, and

In other words, this post is for you if your primary goal of the presentation is to educate the audience—not to sell a product or gain angel investors.

What you will learn in this article (or video):

1. why academics, scientists, and educators need to write a presentation script and practice their presentations., 2. myths about presentation scripts and practicing your presentations..

3. Why you should script and practice even if you’re good at public speaking.

4. How to write a presentation script and how to practice your presentation.

5. When does it make sense to do these script/practice types?

6. A bonus tip; something else that is important ;)

p.s. There is an abbreviated version of this blog post you can watch right here:

Take a moment to think about all the things you’ve witnessed during a presentation that made it unbearable to watch.

I don’t mean how bad their slides were or their wall of text slides, I mean things the presenter did or didn’t do.

Bonus points if you actually take a moment to write them down.

Ok, here’s my list.

A presentation becomes hard to watch when the speaker:

Goes over time

Sounds really awkward

Rambles and goes on tangents

Is confusing, disorganized & hard to follow

Doesn’t have a good flow or pace (too fast, too slow, no pauses)

Forgets what they wanted to say

Reads the slides to the audience

Speaks in a monotone, droning voice

Finishes waaaaaaaay too early

I’m guessing you agree that these are signs that the presenter needs a boost in their public speaking skills.

If you see yourself in that list, don’t worry because the strategies in this post will 100% help you address these challenges. People aren’t born with these skills—they develop them over time, with training and practice.

Also, I’ve made every single mistake on that list. I used to have an intense fear of public speaking. So, I understand your struggles , and I can help!

If you don’t see yourself on this list, keep reading because these strategies will still help you in surprising ways. I wrote a special section just for people who are great at public speaking.

Ok. By now, my key point here is probably obvious.

Scripting and practicing (the right way) tackle some of the biggest problems we see during an ineffective presentation.

You might be thinking: “ Well, yeah, that’s obvious, Echo. ”

Because I’ve found that academics, scientists, and educators avoid writing a script for their presentation and practicing like it’s an unnecessary committee meeting.

I get why they avoid it—it’s because of some insidious myths about scripting and practicing that most people believe.

Let’s tackle those next.

If writing a presentation script and practicing a presentation were such good strategies, why don’t more people do it?

That’s easy: most people believe harmful myths about presentation scripts and practicing.

I already busted a couple in the introduction: most people assume “script” and “practice” mean certain things, but that’s wrong.

As a quick refresher:

MYTH: When people say you need a script and need to practice, they want you to memorize your presentation

Well, other people might mean that, but I don’t.

In the process I explain later, the goal is not to memorize your presentation speech.

Stay tuned :)

MYTH: Practicing a presentation means you need to say the entire presentation from start to finish

That’s one way to practice a presentation. I call it the dress rehearsal.

I almost never do it, and I recommend you avoid this type of practicing at all costs.

You’re going to learn three other ways to practice that are easier, more sustainable, and more effective.

MYTH: There’s an easier way to solve bad speaker habits

The #1 worst piece of presentation advice that exists is that you should use 1 slide per minute, or as few slides as possible.

Without question, it’s the worst.

You cannot make an engaging presentation if you follow that rule. And if that surprises you then please take my free training ASAP.

I’m constantly talking about this piece of bad advice on social media with academics, scientists, and educators.

The main reason people give me for following this rule boils down to this:

“You see, Echo, the 1 slide per minute rule is helpful to make sure speakers don’t go over time.”

And my reaction boils down to this:

Because…people have been following the 1 slide per minute rule for a really long time and we still have to endure presenters who go over their time.

The number of slides has nothing to do with a presenter who goes overtime.

There is only ONE reason speakers go overtime.

They don’t script and practice their presentation at all, or in the right way.

Surface level formulas like “1 slide per minute” don’t fix the problem and they only make presentations worse.

MYTH: If you practice too much, you’ll sound like a robot

Have you ever believed that you could practice “too much” and that practicing “too much” will make you sound like a robot?

Absolute nonsense.

This makes no sense if you think about it.

Have you ever seen a musical or play?

Does that feel like a bunch of robots singing and dancing on the stage?

No, of course not. It feels moving, natural, and engaging.

Well, they obviously practice A LOT.

So, that instantly debunks the myth that if you practice, you'll sound awkward or like a robot.

In reality, it's the exact opposite.

Having a script and practicing it in the right way is precisely what helps you sound natural, professional, and deliver a smooth presentation that makes an impact.

I know what you’re thinking.

You’re thinking… ”But I can always tell when someone reads from a script. They sound so awkward!”

Hmmm…I have questions.

First: How do you know they’re reading a script?

If you don’t actually see them reading from a script, you cannot assume that’s what they’re doing.

If the speaker is really awkward and sounds like they’re reading, that’s not enough evidence to conclude they are using a script.

Second: OK. Let’s assume they ARE using a script.

The problem is not that they have a script.

The problem is:

(a) how they wrote the script initially, and/or

(b) how they practiced their script.

Chances are they (a) wrote a presentation speech using a Word document, and then (b) tried to memorize it.

This is a bad approach because when we write in a Word document, we’re writing for written communication.

By default, everything we type will be more appropriate for someone to read it, rather than to listen to it.

That’s why in my system, we don’t use Word at all, and you do NOT start by writing a speech.

Or, they (a) wrote their presentation script in the notes section of PowerPoint, and then (b) just read it silently in their mind as a way to practice it.

We’ve all done this. Admit it.

That’s NOT how you should write a script or practice your presentation.

That’s how you end up sounding like a robot, because in reality you haven’t practiced your presentation at all.

This is a really important point to internalize: reading your notes does NOT count as practicing your presentation.

I can guarantee 100% that you’ve been enamored by a presenter using a script who sounded natural, engaging, and amazing.

When done properly, you actually can’t tell there was a script.

If somebody has an awkward delivery where it sounds like they're a robot and they're relying on their script too much, the problem is NOT that they had a script.

The problem is NOT that they practice too much: it's the opposite. The problem is that they didn't practice enough and didn't practice in the right ways.

It is entirely untrue that the more you practice, the less natural you will sound. That is a lie.

And I am not the only one who is saying this.

Fun fact time!

Have you ever seen The Big Lebowski?

Hopefully, that's not too old of a reference, and I know there are some problems with the movie.

But even if you hate the movie or haven’t seen it, it has a reputation as having an extraordinarily smooth delivery by the actors.

It feels so real, so natural, that many people assume it was improv.

The reason it felt so natural and so smooth, was because the script was good (in the sense that it felt like real conversations), AND because they practiced it for weeks.

In a 2012 Rolling Stone interview, John Goodman said, “I had so many people ask me if it was improvised.” Then he laughed his John Goodman laugh and said, “I'm not that good. But we got lucky and we rehearsed for a couple weeks before we started shooting. That's why that looks so good. Like we're improvising.”

This is exactly the point that I'm trying to make.

LIKE we’re improvising, he said.

They rehearsed it so much that it looked good and seemed like they were doing improv, which is basically a way of saying it felt natural. It felt real.

A great presentation script is worthless if you don’t practice it correctly, and practicing your presentation doesn’t help if you don’t have a good script. 🤯

That’s why I merge the two activities into one activity when working on my presentation.

That’s the power of a good script , and practicing it the right way.

Luckily, academics, scientists, and educators don't need a perfect script and don't need to practice nearly as much as people performing in a musical or in a movie. 😅

Hopefully, you’re ready to give scripting and practicing your presentation a chance.

Except, wait.

You might not be convinced if you’re good at public speaking.

I promised a section just for you, so here it is.

3. Why you should a presentation script and practice even if you’re good at public speaking.

Remember earlier when I said this post would still be helpful, even if you didn’t see yourself in that list of bad presentation examples?

Let’s talk about that.

I’m guessing you think you don’t need to script and practice because you’re good at public speaking.

Maybe you’re the lucky type who can get on stage and just talk. And talk. And talk.

Maybe you love public speaking, and with just a few bullet points, you can talk for a full hour (or longer) without taking a break.

I can see why you think having a script and practicing it will totally slow your roll.

But here’s the bad news: the type of presentations where the speaker just gets on the stage and “wings it” are some of the hardest presentations to follow along with. 😬

Your energy, passion, and fast-talking ability probably keeps people paying attention, sure.

But they’re also probably really confused and overwhelmed.

Or, worse, they don’t think they’re confused during your presentation, but then later on when they try to remember what you said, they can’t—and they don’t even know why.

I have personally experienced this countless times as an audience member. And it’s something I pay attention to as a presentation specialist.

Several academics I work with recently realized their off-the-cuff, fast-paced class lectures were actually really confusing because they had to record them for an online course.

Once they actually had to watch their own presentation videos, they realized that they:

Did not build in enough repetition to enhance learning

Went on too many unhelpful tangents

Forget key transition statements or sections that link topics

Missed important key steps or connector topics

Did not have distinct sections in their presentations

Now you’re ready for the real secret:

The #1 reason you should have a script and practice it isn’t so you have a smooth delivery—it’s so your presentation is organized, comprehensive, and easy to follow. 💡

Time to finally reveal my unique approach to scripting and practicing your presentation!

I’m going to share my system for scripting and practicing that has:

Saved me TONS of time

Significantly improved the quality of my presentation content

Significantly improved my public speaking skills

I'm going to share the exact process I use to script and practice my professional presentations, even ones with data.

After all this build-up, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it’s going to be.

One reason I think you’ll like this is because it’s efficient.

Like I mentioned above, a script needs to be practiced and you need to practice with a good script.

That’s why scripting and practicing are merged into one, seamless step.

Scripting is practicing. And practicing is scripting.

The 4 types of presentation scripting & practicing:

Talk to your computer

Mini bursts of practice

Timed practice

Dress rehearsal

Before I go into detail, make sure you download the FREE worksheets that go along with this blog post and video!

Script/Practice Type #1: Talk (or Whisper) to Your Computer

The first thing I need to eliminate from your mind is the idea that you can practice by sitting and staring at your slides or reading them silently in your head.

That does not count as practice. You have to actually say your notes out loud for it to count as practice.

Like I mentioned earlier, we aren’t going to use Word or any type of word processor for this. Do this directly in the notes section of PowerPoint (or Google Slides, Keynote, etc).

What you do, is from the very first time you start writing out your script, you also practice it as the same time.

Specifically, you’re going to talk (or whisper) to your computer—you’re going to say the words you type for your script as you’re typing it.

Or, if you’re revising your script for a presentation you’ve already given, you speak (or whisper) out loud while revising.

Does this sound weird?

Absolutely.

This is the most mind-blowingly impactful change you will ever make when creating a script for your presentation.

This is such a great strategy because you'll be speaking your script the very first time that you write it.

That means the first draft of your script will be better than if you just wrote it silently.

🚨 Re-read that sentence.

You will know immediately when you write something that sounds awkward, because you’re speaking it from step 1.

Do you see how much time that’s going to save you?

If you write your script silently in your head first, you’re going to write a script for reading—not speaking.

That means, the first time you do say it out loud, you will have to make more revisions than if you had just said it out loud in the first place.

If you’ve ever felt like it takes too long to create an engaging presentation, I just shared one of the BEST secrets to speeding up this process.

Besides, this is the best way to make sure you don’t sound like a robot.

So this practice type is something I want you to turn into your new habit.

Literally every single time you write something new for your presentation script (or make a revision), I want you to say (or whisper) it out loud.

Script/Practice Type #2: Mini bursts of real-time practice

The second type of practice is what I call “mini bursts” of practice.

While you’re drafting and revising your slides (using script/practice type #1), at some point you’re going to finish a few slides or a section that you want to test out.

So, you’re going to do just that: a mini-burst of practice.

While still at you’re desk, you’ll go into presenter mode.

Once you're in presenter mode, run through a couple of slides or maybe even a whole section, and basically just fix problems as you see them.

You're basically piloting your slides in small chunks.

You can do this as often as you want, and the more you do it, the better.

My guess is you were already doing some version of this, so I doubt this will take you extra time.

But, in the past, you probably just clicked and looked at your slides, and imagined what you would say in your head.

What I want you to do, moving forward, is actually say your script out loud.

What you should pay attention to is how your speech matches up with what is happening on your slides (the images, animations, etc).

In other words, also gives you another chance to speak your notes out loud while also testing the things happening on your slides.

Like practice type #1, you don't really need to dedicate a separate or unique block of time for this, because the idea is you just weave it into your practice of editing and revising your slides.

Script/Practice Type #3: Timed Practice

Like you, I found dress rehearsals to be exhausting and difficult to fit into my schedule.

Plus, when I had a lot of things to fix throughout the presentation, it was hard to keep track of those and remember them for later.

But, if I stopped my presentation to take notes, it ruined my flow or messed up my time tracking.

There had to be a better way, I thought to myself.

And after some experimenting, I found one!

I call this the “timed practice” and like script/practice type #1 it was a gamechanger.

You will do this when your presentation is almost ready and you feel good about your draft.

What you do is grab a stopwatch (I use the clock app on my phone) and some specially designed worksheets for you to complete.

The worksheets should have a place for you to write:

Section Name

Description

Images needed

And other information you need to revise your presentation.

You can get the exact worksheets I use for this in the free download that goes with this post:

Make sure you have several of these practicing worksheets printed and ready to go (at least one sheet per section).

If your presentation doesn’t have sections, then that means it’s probably confusing for your audience. Make sure you check out my FREE training if you’re interested in improving all aspects of your presentations.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Grab a worksheet.

Go into presenter view

Choose ONE section of your presentation

Start your timer

Do a full dress rehearsal style practice session for that ONE SESSION

When you come across something that needs to change, PAUSE THE TIMER and write your notes (the slide # and what needs to change).

When you’re done writing your notes, restart the timer and continue your practice.

When you’re done practicing that section, write down how long it took for you to complete that section and other notes to help you revise your slides.

Repeat for all sections.

Ideally, if your presentation is longer than 15-20 minutes, you’re engaging the audience throughout (not just waiting for a Q&A session).

That can be really hard to time, though, so here’s what I do:

When I come to my audience engagement slide, or have a question for the audience in my notes, I pause the timer,

I take moment to guess at how long I want to spend on this activity, and

I’ll add a note that looks like “+1 min for poll” and “+2 min for question”

Is it perfect, no? But it helps me remember to leave a time buffer for audience engagement.

When I'm done I add up all the sections and it will tell you how long the total presentation would probably take based on that run-through.

Then you go back and do this entire process one more time after you've fixed those major errors. Then hopefully it's good to go.

Here are some additional tips to make this as effective as possible.

1. Start going a little bit off-script now

By now, you already have a pretty decent script for your presentation.

The idea is NOT to memorize it at this point.

You have a solid foundation for an organized presentation that is easy to follow and contains no excess information, and does not leave important information out.

At this point, then, you should start going a little off-script.

Basically, you want to practice saying the same idea—the same content—but with slightly different words.

The goal is to know the general idea of what you want to say, when you want to say it, and how long you take to explain it.

2. Don’t do it all in one day

I don’t revise my slides on the same day I do a timed practice.

What I do is try to complete this entire process for all sections in 1-2 days, and then revise my slides on a later day.

While practicing, between each section I'll take a break, and I recommend you do that too. Stand up, stretch, get a glass of water.

When I’m done practicing all sections of my presentation, I set my notes aside and intentionally make myself wait at least a day before making any changes.

Having that mental break is really important, and gives your brain some downtime to come up with new ideas and insights.

It’s also a way for this to feel like a sustainable practice. It would be mentally exhausting to do this all in one day. Ugh.

When you’re ready to apply the changes make sure you work backwards.

Start with the last one and work your way up, because if you start from the first slide and work your way down you're going to mess up all your slide number references.

3. You should only have to do this process 1-2 times

If you find yourself stuck here and you’re doing this a lot more than 1-2 times, then it’s probably because you didn’t do enough of practice types 1 and 2. Next time, do more of that and then you’ll need to do this type less.

This practice type is so helpful because:

It’s more efficient than a full dress rehearsal.

You don’t need a giant block off time to do it, only enough time to practice ONE section.

You don’t have to worry about remembering what to change. You can come back to your revisions another day .

You get an accurate sense of how long each section will take, which means you get an accurate sense of how long your entire presentation will take, too!

Most people skip this and go straight to the full dress rehearsal, but I think that's kind of a waste of time.

This is more efficient, easier to fit into your schedule, and still can give you a sense of how long your presentation will take.

Script/Practice Type #4: Dress rehearsal

Okay it’s time to talk about the dress rehearsal.

This is what most people think of when I say “practice your presentation.”

A full dress rehearsal involves acting as though you’re giving the presentation for real. That means you do things like:

Do the entire presentation from start to finish, without stopping

Add in all your dramatic pauses

Avoid looking at your notes while giving your talk

Use all your normal gestures

First, I want to emphasize that if you follow the first three practice types, you will rarely have to do a dress rehearsal.

Practice types 1-3 are usually enough for things like course lectures, webinars, and regular conference presentations.

I mean, you can do a dress rehearsal if you want. It’s not a bad idea. But in my opinion, it’s optional for most presentations.

When should you do a full dress rehearsal? When your presentation is a:

Teaching demo

Other very high stakes presentations (e.g., presentation to obtain funding)

So if you need to do one, then let me share some strategies for this.

You do the dress rehearsal when your presentation is pretty much ready and you just need to work on the delivery and want to make sure you can do this presentation without your notes.

You’ve already practiced this in short bursts 1-2 times with the last strategy, so you’ll be in a good place to do this.

If it’s an in-person presentation, then I recommend you don’t do this at your desk.

Get in a new environment, plug your laptop into your TV, present this to your pets or friendly faces, or find an empty room in your department and practice there.

Make it as close to the real thing as you possibly can.

When I do this type of practice I get set up in my living room so I can project my slides via the TV.

I put my laptop on a tray table, I hook it up to the TV with an HDMI cable, and I get my friendly audience sitting on the couch (for me that involves two dogs and a human).

I've got my slide clicker ready because I'm going to use it for the real thing (and if you do not have one of these, Oh my god, get one now. They are awesome!).

I position everything so I can see my presenter view and the notes if I need to. But I'm facing the audience just like in real life and I'm trying to not read my script at this point.

That is my process, and you might need to tweak it based on your own setup, but the important thing is to get out of your office.

Try to go somewhere else and don't do it in your office.

Bonus Tip: Consider doing things like practice rushing into a room (or Zoom) in your department and setting up in less than a minute, then rush into your presentation because that can happen in real life.

Remember: Memorization is not the primary goal.

You can memorize your presentation if you want to, but you do not have to.

And please, keep in mind that memorization can backfire.

In some cases, it’s better to practice in a way that goes a little off-script.

By now, especially since you've done those three practice types, you should be really comfortable with your presentation and have an idea of what you want to say, when you want to say it, and about how long you want to take with each slide.

You can (and should) change words here and there.

You can add a sentence or maybe not say a sentence.

You can do that type of “practiced improv” and then your script is really only there as a backup in case you do sort of blank and forget what you wanted to say.

You can still use the worksheets from practice type #3.

You’ll be in presenter view again, and you’ll time it.

I recommend that you use those practice sheets again, using them the same way as in practice type three so you can pause and take notes on what you might need to fix.

Hopefully, by now it's not a lot of stuff, just minor tweaks.

5. When does it make sense to do these script/practice presentation types?

New presentation content or delivery format.

If this presentation is:

Brand new content

Getting a significant revision or overhaul

Relatively new content (you’ve only given this talk 1-2 times before), and/or

Going to be presented in a new delivery format (e.g., used to be in-person, now it’s a webinar)

…then you should definitely do:

Script/Practice Type #1: Talk to your computer

Script/Practice Type #2: Mini bursts

Script/Practice Type #3: Timed practice

…and if it’s a “high stakes” presentation (job talk, teaching demo, keynote), then also do:

Presentation you’re revising or updating

One you’ve given in the past

Getting a minor revision

Going to be presented in the same delivery format as before

Script/Practice Type #1: Talk to your computer while revising

Script/Practice Type #2: Mini bursts of the sections you revised

…and if you want to be sure your changes didn’t change the overall time, then also do:

Special circumstances and nuances for teaching (synchronous & asynchronous)

There are some special circumstances and nuances to this when it comes to teaching.

For example, if you’re giving a synchronous (live) lecture and you can use the next session to cover material you didn’t have time for, then you only need to do practice types #1-2.

It doesn’t matter if it’s new or being updated, because ultimately the time you take to explain it doesn’t matter. That’s why you don’t need to worry about types #3 or #4.

As another example, if you’re creating a course video ( asynchronous ) then it depends on whether you’re going to edit the video or not.

If you will be editing the video, then you only need to do practice types #1-2.

If you won’t be editing the video, then you should do practice type #3, too.

That way you can make sure your course video isn’t unnecessarily long and that you won’t have a lot of mistakes.

Side note: that’s why I strongly recommend you learn how to edit your course videos —because it saves you time and hassle in the grand scheme of things.

6. Bonus Tip: Yes, this means you need to stop procrastinating on your presentation.

If you’re adding things up, then that means it takes at least 2 separate days to go script/practice type #3.

Plus, there’s the time to do #1 and #2.

So, yes, this also means you won’t be able to procrastinate on your presentation if you want to do this.

😱 Before you panic, though, keep in mind that the idea is you aren’t spending all day on this.

You’re spending 1-2 hours per day, so you can fit it into your schedule.

Make sure you read my article about a good presentation workflow, because it's going to help you plan out your presentation process so that you actually finish early and have plenty of time for practicing .

I even specify when you should be doing each practice type.

So check that out if you haven't already. And that has a free download, too :)

Don’t go without grabbing these FREE practicing worksheets!

To make it easy, I’m sharing the same worksheets I use with you, for FREE. Download them now and use them the next time you work on your presentation!

with joy, Echo Rivera, PhD

Links shared in this post >>

My unique presentation training framework

How to end your presentation procrastination

The best way to record your presentations and lectures (incl. video editing)

9 myths about effective presentations (incl. the whole “1 slide per minute” rule)

Rolling Stones article on John Goodman

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Let’s work together to make you a highly-paid, fully-booked keynote speaker and get you that that TED talk.

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Let’s work together to make your workshops or online courses sell out fast, get fully-booked, and sell themselves.

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Let’s work together to showcase you’re a trusted expert so you get that book deal, and then — of course — sell that book by going on a book tour.

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How to write an engaging and effective presentation script?

Explore expert tips and techniques to elevate your script, ensuring it resonates with your audience and enhances your message.

Bharti Jain

Delivering presentations

Table of contents

In today's world, presentations are a crucial part of professional communication, whether for pitching a new idea, educating an audience, or persuading potential clients. However, the backbone of any successful presentation is its script. A well-crafted presentation script can captivate your audience and deliver your message effectively. In this blog, we’ll explore the intricacies of crafting such a presentation that not only delivers information but also engages your audience, drawing insights from the tools and strategies provided by Prezent.

What is a presentation script?

It is much more than a mere set of words to be read or spoken; it is a strategic narrative designed to communicate ideas effectively. It’s the roadmap of your presentation content, detailing every turn of your story, every fact you want to highlight, and every emotion you wish to evoke. A well-written script aligns with your visuals and delivery, creating a harmonious and impactful presentation.

Here’s an example of presentation script containing key points only:

What are the key elements of a compelling presentation script?

When we talk about crafting a presentation script that captivates and engages, it's essential to focus on the following elements.

1. Write a script with a clear objective

It's a common misconception that the sole purpose is just to relay whatever is on your mind. Every presentation has a specific goal, and it's crucial to identify this goal right from the start. Are you looking to inform, persuade, inspire, or motivate your audience?

For example, if your goal is to persuade your audience, you need an approach as if you're a lawyer making a closing argument. This means your script should be filled with strong, convincing evidence and delivered in a tone that's persuasive and compelling. On the other hand, if your aim is to inform, it should resemble a teacher's lesson plan: well-organized, clear, and educational. Here, the focus is on clarity and thoroughness.

2. Audience-centric approach

Tailoring your content to resonate with your audience's interests and level of understanding is crucial. It’s similar to a chef knowing his diners' preferences before crafting a menu.

For example, If your audience comprises young entrepreneurs, using startup success stories and Silicon Valley anecdotes can make your content more relatable and engaging.

Ignoring the audience’s background and interests is like serving a steak to a vegetarian – it just won’t connect. So you need to ensure that you get your audience to listen.

3. Need to write a strong narrative

A strong narrative structure in your script is essential – consider it the spine of your presentation. It should have a compelling introduction (like the opening scene of a gripping movie), an informative body (similar to the plot development of a novel), and a memorable conclusion (the final scene that leaves the audience thinking).

For instance, Steve Jobs’ iconic iPhone launch presentation in 2007 masterfully followed this structure in his presentation speech, captivating the audience from start to finish.

4. Emotional engagement

Creating an emotional connection with the audience can be achieved through storytelling , anecdotes, or humor.

Take, for instance, the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech by Martin Luther King Jr. His powerful storytelling and emotional appeal transformed statistical data about racial injustice into a palpable narrative that moved an entire nation.

Similarly, humor can play a significant role in keeping the audience engaged. Ellen DeGeneres' commencement speech at Tulane University in 2009 is a prime example. She skillfully blended humor with her personal life story, especially her struggles and achievements.

5. Simplicity and clarity

Conveying your ideas in a straightforward and understandable manner is vital. Think of it as the principle of KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Your presentation should be like clear, concise instructions, not a complex, hard-to-decipher manual. Avoid jargon and technical terms unless absolutely necessary.

Remember, Albert Einstein once said,

If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.

Your script should reflect clarity of thought and simplicity of expression.

How to write a presentation script that is effective?

Crafting an engaging presentation script is a multifaceted process that requires attention to detail, a deep understanding of your subject, and a keen sense of audience engagement. Here are some crucial strategies that you should know:

1. In-depth research

To lay a solid foundation for your presentation, start with comprehensive research. Dive deep into your topic to ensure every aspect of your script is well-informed and accurate. This doesn't mean just skimming through the top Google search results. Explore various sources, from scholarly articles to industry reports, to gather a rich array of information.

This depth of understanding not only boosts the credibility of your presentation but also prepares you to confidently handle any questions that might arise during or after your presentation.

2. Conversational tone

A key aspect of a good script is its tone. Aim for a conversational style – as if you're talking to a friend over coffee rather than memorising & lecturing in a formal setting. This approach makes your presentation more relatable and engaging. Avoid complex jargon and technical terms unless necessary, and instead, opt for simple language that flows smoothly. Think of it like storytelling with data.

Check this example to understand better:

Without conversational tone

“In today's discourse, we shall examine the multifaceted and intricate ramifications of digital transformation on global business paradigms."

With conversational tone

"Let's talk about how digital transformation is changing the way we do business around the world. It's pretty fascinating stuff!"

In the first sentence, the formal tone and complex language create a barrier, making the content feel distant and academic. The second sentence, conversational in nature, uses simple language and a friendly approach, inviting the audience into an engaging discussion.

3. Proper visual integration

Visuals are not just decorations; they are integral to reinforcing your message. While scripting, think about how each segment of your speech can be accompanied by relevant visual aids, whether it's a slide, an infographic, or a short video clip. For instance, when discussing a complex process, a diagram can make it easier for your audience to grasp. The key is to ensure that your visuals complement your words, adding clarity and keeping the audience visually engaged.

4. Interactive elements

Engaging your audience is crucial, and interactive elements can significantly boost this engagement. Incorporate rhetorical questions to provoke thought or invite audience participation at certain junctures. You might include a quick poll, a show of hands, or even a brief Q&A session. These elements transform your presentation from a monologue into a dialogue, making it a two-way interaction that keeps your audience actively involved.

5. Rehearse and practice your presentation

The final and perhaps most critical step for the presenter is to refine and rehearse the script several times . This is where you fine-tune your pacing, adjust your tone, and smooth out any rough edges. Rehearsing out loud, ideally in front of a mirror or a test audience, helps identify parts of the script that may need reworking. Pay attention to timing, pauses, and emphasis on key points. Remember, practice doesn’t just make perfect; it builds confidence, ensuring that when it's showtime, you deliver with poise and impact.

How to enhance the effectiveness of a powerpoint presentation through engaging designs?

The integration of engaging presentation designs in your presentation can significantly boost it's effectiveness. Thoughtfully chosen visuals and layout strategies not only grab attention but also make your message more impactful. Let’s delve into how to achieve this synergy:

1. Slide with complementary visuals

Utilize design elements like relevant images, charts, and infographics that reinforce your script’s message. For example, if you're discussing market growth, a well-designed graph can visually represent the data you're talking about, making complex information more accessible and engaging. The key is to choose visuals that directly support and enhance what you're saying.

2. Consistent theme

Maintaining a consistent design theme throughout your presentation helps in creating a visually cohesive experience and makes your brand image stronger. This includes consistent use of color schemes, fonts, and graphic styles that align with the tone and content of your presentation. A uniform theme not only looks professional but also helps in keeping the audience’s attention focused on your message.

3. Focus on readability

Ensure that any text on your visuals is clear and easy to comprehend. Overloading slides with text can overwhelm your audience. Instead, opt for key phrases or bullet points that complement your spoken words. The text should be large enough to be easily readable from a distance, and the color contrast should make it stand out against the background.

4. Balanced layout

Achieving a balance between visual elements and white space is crucial for a clean and effective slide design. A cluttered slide can distract and confuse your audience, while too much white space may lead to a lack of visual interest. Aim for a layout that emphasizes key elements, using white space to highlight important information without making the slide feel overcrowded.

Expert tips for great presentation speech

Delivering a strong presentation is more than just writing; it involves a nuanced blend of delivery techniques, audience interaction, and adaptability. Here are some expert tips presentation style:

1. Dynamic pacing

Varying the pace of your delivery keeps your audience engaged. For example, slow down during complex topics for better understanding, and speed up during familiar or lighter segments to maintain energy. This dynamic pacing ensures that important points are emphasized and the audience remains attentive throughout.

2. Feedback loop

Gathering feedback on your script and presentation style can offer invaluable insights. It’s like holding a mirror to your performance. Present it  to a small group or a trusted colleague and solicit a honest feedback from your audience. Pay attention to their responses and suggestions - they can help you identify areas for improvement that you might not have noticed on your own.

3. Body language and voice modulation

Being conscious of your non-verbal cues and voice modulation can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of your delivery. Your body language should complement the tone of your message.

For instance, use open gestures for welcoming or inclusive points, and firmer gestures for strong, decisive statements. Similarly, modulate your voice to match the content - a softer tone for sensitive topics, or a stronger, more assertive tone for key arguments. This congruence between your words and your delivery makes your presentation more convincing and engaging.

4. Stay adaptable

Adaptability is crucial in presentations. Sometimes, despite all the planning, the audience's reaction may not be what you expected, or technical issues may arise. Be prepared to improvise your approach on the fly.

For instance, if a particular part of your presentation isn't resonating as expected, be ready to shift gears, perhaps by moving to an interactive Q&A earlier than planned.

Staying adaptable ensures that you maintain control of the presentation, no matter the circumstances.

What are the benefits of a good presentation script?

It enhances your ability to connect with the audience. It serves as a guide, ensuring that you deliver your message in a clear, engaging, and relatable way. When you have a well-crafted script, it's easier to explain complex topics in a way that's easy for everyone to understand. This not only keeps your audience attentive but also makes your presentation more memorable.

Additionally, as the presenter, you get confidence boost. Knowing that you have a solid foundation for your presentation helps reduce anxiety and allows you to focus on delivery. As a result, your message doesn't just get heard; it resonates with the audience, leaving them informed, inspired, and often impressed by the clarity and effectiveness of your communication.

How can Prezent help with great presentation scripts?

Prezent, the communication productivity platform for enterprise teams, can significantly enhance the process of writing and delivering presentation scripts in various ways:

1. Efficiency in slide creation: Prezent's AI capabilities streamline slide creation. With a library of over 35,000 slides , presenters can quickly find and customize them, allowing more time to focus on writing a script with great content and delivery.

2. Consistency and brand alignment: Prezent ensures that all slides adhere to brand guidelines , maintaining a professional and cohesive look throughout the presentation. This consistency is crucial for the visual elements.

3. Enhanced storytelling through visuals: The AI-driven slide creation tools in Prezent suggest visual storytelling elements relevant to the script. This enhances audience engagement and understanding, particularly when complex points need to be conveyed.

4. Best practice examples and learning: Prezent offers a feature of best practice examples – a curated collection of exemplary presentations. These examples showcase industry norms and creative approaches, providing valuable insights into effective presentation styles and structures.

5. Personalized insights with fingerprints: The ' Fingerprints ' feature in helps understand your and your audience's strengths, preferences, and areas for growth. This leads to personalized insights, enhancing communication skills and ensuring that the presentation resonates with the audience. Create your Fingerprint today !.

6. Adaptability to content: Prezent adapts slide design based on the script's content, suggesting appropriate charts for analytical sections or illustrative visuals for narrative parts, ensuring the slides are in perfect harmony.

7. Feedback and improvement suggestions: With its advanced AI capabilities, Prezent can offer feedback and improvement suggestions on both the content and design of the presentation, based on communication and design best practices.

Overall, Prezent acts as a comprehensive tool for enhancing presentation scripts, ensuring that the visual components effectively support and elevate the spoken content, while also offering insights and suggestions for continuous improvement. To see Prezent in action you can sign up for our free trial or book a demo today!

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Example script for presenter

This document provides an example script for a presenter to follow. The script outlines introducing the topic, background, objective, and structure of the presentation in the first part. The second part is for presenting the content. The third part provides guidance on signaling the end, summarizing the main points, and closing the presentation. The overall summary is in 3 sentences or less as requested. Read less

More Related Content

• 1. Example Script for Presenter LOGO Part 1: Before Presenting the Content Greeting Topic Background Objective Outlining Conclusion Presentation time Good morning, ladies and gentlemen Assalamualaikum wr.wb. It’s an honor for me today to stand in front of you to deliver a presentation. The topic of my presentation is….(topic/title)... As we know that …(background)… Hopefully, the presentation will .....(objective)......... In this presentation, I will cover three main points, first… second… and third… So that would be the overall structure of my presentation, and now let’s move on to the first point. First, I would like to talk about ...... ..........................PRESENTING THE CONTENT ..........
• 2. Part 2: After Presenting the Content Signaling an end LOGO Ladies and Gentlemen, I think that’s the end of my talk today. Summarizing To sum up, there are .....main points, first ....., second ....and third...... Closing Thank you for your attention Assalamu’alaikum wr.wb. For More Practice, ADE JOHAN,S.Pd. M.Pd. [email protected]

• Interactive Presentation

Presentation Script | Ultimate Guide To Engage Your Audience in 2024

Jane Ng • 05 April, 2024 • 8 min read

How can you organize a PowerPoint presentation so it engages the audience? this is a hot topic! Are you looking for a script presentation example? Every memorable presentation starts with a single blank page and a writer's determination to create something extraordinary. If you've ever found yourself staring at that intimidating blank canvas, unsure how to transform your ideas into a captivating script, fear not. 

In this blog post, we'll guide you on how to write an impeccable presentation script that will mesmerize your audience. Moreover, we'll provide you with practical tips and real-life examples that help you kickstart your journey toward crafting a compelling presentation script.

Learn how to write a presentation script with AhaSlides, today!

Table of Contents

Why a well-written presentation script matters, how to write a presentation script, expert tips for writing an engaging presentation script.

• Presentation Script Example 
• Key Takeaways

Overview - Presentation Script

• Presentation description
• Title ideas

Start in seconds.

Get free templates for your next interactive presentation. Sign up for free and take what you want from the template library!

A well-written presentation script is the backbone of your delivery, ensuring structure, engaging your audience, boosting your confidence, and providing adaptability.

• An excellent presentation script brings structure and clarity to your message.
• It keeps your audience engaged and helps them understand your ideas. 
• It also ensures consistency and repeatability, especially when presenting multiple times. 
• A good script for presentation provides adaptability and preparedness, enabling you to adjust and handle unexpected situations. 

In addition, for many presenters, nerves and Glossophobia can be significant hurdles to overcome. A well-written script provides a sense of security and confidence. Like a safety net, it ensures that you have your key points and supporting details at your fingertips. This boosts your confidence and reduces anxiety, allowing you to deliver a more polished presentation.

So, how to make a script for a presentation?

Before writing a presentation script, you need to know your audience's background, interests, and knowledge level. Then clearly define the purpose of your presentation. Having a clear objective will help you stay focused while writing your script.

1/ Outline The Structure

Start with an attention-grabbing introduction, followed by the main points you want to convey, and conclude with a strong summary or call to action.

For example:

• Introduction - The introduction script for presentations should be a welcome and personal connection to the topic. 
• Main Points - Benefits of "topic"
• Transitions - Use phrases like "Now let's move on to," or "Next, we'll discuss." 
• Conclusion - Recap key points and call to action.

You can consider using bullet points or headings to organize your ideas within each section.

2/ Craft A Powerful Opening

Crafting a strong opening statement is crucial to capturing your audience's attention and setting the tone for your entire presentation. Here are some key elements to consider when creating an impactful opening statement:

• Hook the Audience: Start with a captivating hook that immediately grabs the audience's attention
• Establish Relevance: Communicate the relevance and importance of your topic to the audience. Highlight how it relates to their lives, challenges, or aspirations.
• Create an Emotional Connection: Appeal to your audience's emotions and create a sense of resonance or empathy. Connect with their desires, challenges, or aspirations to make a personal connection.

3/ Develop Key Points

When developing the key points in your presentation script, it's essential to provide supporting information, examples, or evidence that reinforces your message. Here's how you can expand on each main point:

Supporting Information:

• Present facts, data, or expert opinions that support your main point.
• Use credible sources to strengthen your arguments and provide context.
• Use evidence to back up your claims and increase credibility.

Logical Order or Narrative Flow

• Organize your main points in a logical order to facilitate understanding.
• Consider using a narrative flow to create a compelling storyline that connects your main points.

4/ Incorporate Visual Aids

Incorporating visual aids strategically into your presentation can significantly enhance understanding, engagement, and retention of information.

• Example: If you're discussing the features of a new product, display images or a short video demonstrating its functionality as you describe each feature.

5/ Include Transitions and Signposts

Including transitions and signposts helps guide your audience through your ideas and ensures they can easily follow your train of thought.

You can use concise and engaging language to introduce the upcoming subject matter.

• Example: "Next, we'll explore the latest..."

Or you can use questions to transition between sections or engage the audience's attention.

• Example: "But how can we tackle this challenge? The answer lies in..."

6/ Summarize and Conclude

• Recap your main points to reinforce key messages concisely.
• End with a memorable conclusion that leaves a lasting impact or a call to action for your audience.

7/ Seek Feedback and Revise

• Share your script with a trusted colleague, friend, or mentor for constructive feedback.
• Once you have made revisions based on feedback, practice delivering your revised script.
• Refine and fine-tune your script as needed through practice sessions and additional feedback.

Involve The Audience

Boost audience participation and engagement by leveraging interactive features such as Q&A session , live polls, quizzes and small activities through AhaSlides . By utilizing these interactive elements, you can transform your presentation into a dynamic and engaging experience for your audience.

You also can ask your audience for feedback by rating scale or Likert scale !

Use Conversational Language

Write your script in a conversational tone to make it more approachable and relatable. Avoid jargon and complex terminology that might alienate your audience.

Know Your Key Takeaways

• Identify the main messages or key takeaways you want your audience to remember.
• Craft your script around these key points to ensure they are emphasized throughout the presentation.

Address Potential Questions or Concerns

By proactively addressing potential questions or concerns within your presentation script, you demonstrate thoroughness, credibility, and a genuine commitment to addressing your audience's needs. 

This approach helps foster trust and ensures that your presentation provides clear and comprehensive information, leaving your audience feeling satisfied and informed.

Presentation Script Example

Here's an example of a presentation script about "The Power of Effective Communication": 

Key Takeaways 

In conclusion, crafting a well-written presentation script is essential for delivering a successful and impactful presentation. By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can create a script that engages your audience, communicates your message effectively, and leaves a lasting impression.

Remember, incorporating interactive elements can significantly enhance audience engagement and make your presentation more memorable. AhaSlides, with our wide range of templates and interactive features like questions, polls , and activities, provides a powerful platform to involve your audience actively and create an interactive and dynamic presentation experience.

How do you write a script for a presentation?

Here are steps on how to write an effective presentation script: Outline the structure, including an attention-grabbing introduction, main points, and a strong conclusion.  Craft a powerful opening that hooks the audience, establishes relevance, and creates an emotional connection.  Develop key points with supporting information and logical order.  Incorporate visual aids strategically to enhance understanding.  Use transitions and signposts to guide your audience.  Summarize and conclude with impact .  Seek feedback, revise, and practice for a polished presentation.

How do you start a presentation script example?

Here's an example of how you can start a presentation script: - "Good morning/afternoon/evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for being here today. My name is_____, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak with you about_______. Over the next _______, we will explore [briefly mention key points or objectives of the presentation]." The opening lines should aim to grab the audience's attention, establish your credibility, and introduce the topic you will be discussing. 

Is it okay to read a script for a presentation?

While it's generally recommended to avoid reading directly from a script, there are situations where it can be beneficial. For formal or complex presentations like academic or technical talks, a well-crafted script ensures accuracy and keeps you on track.  However, in most cases, a conversational style with notes or prompts is preferred. This allows flexibility, spontaneity, and better audience engagement. 

A writer who wants to create practical and valuable content for the audience

Tips to Engage with Polls & Trivia

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• Scroll to top

How we write presentation scripts that captivate audiences.

• Author Chris Tomlin
• Published June 15, 2023

Having written thousands, this is our advice on how to write a presentation script and how to use scripts in your presentations.

What’s the most important factor in any presentation?

It’s got to be the design, right? Making your slides so beautiful, so chic, and so damn on-brand that your audience will weep at their magnificence?

That’s important, but no – we’re talking about something more fundamental than that.

Ok, then. How about the  animation ? Slick, professional and seamless. That premium, professional sheen that shows your quality through and through.

Again, really love your thinking here, but before that too.

Before you even open PowerPoint, Keynote or Google Slides. Before you get stuck into Photoshop, XD, or whatever design software you prefer.

In many cases, before you even fire your trusty PC or Mac up.

Which brings up back to answering that original question. The first – and most important – part of any presentation is the story. It’s the structure on which those other visual elements can hang, and with a great narrative, your design and animation can take it to another level of excellence.

But the story needs to be delivered. And in most cases, that’s down to you, the presenter. So you need a way to make sure you talk through the story in the right order. Hitting the right highs and lows. Without missing anything out. And without rambling on and going over your time limit.

What you need, my friend, is a presentation script.

The benefits of a great presentation script

OK, before we go any further, I can already see some of you grimacing at the thought of a presentation script.

I don’t need a script , you might be thinking – and you may well be right.

Scripts make presenters sound all robotic and boring , you could be muttering – and again, good point.

I want my  salespeople  to be able to think on their feet and adapt to any situation , you might be screaming into your screen. OK, chill out – you’re not wrong.

But let’s not be so black and white about things, eh?

Like presenters, presentations and audiences, each script should be different.

Your presentation script will likely be based on your experience as a presenter, your knowledge of the presentation subject, the level of detail you want to go into, the type of audience you’re presenting to, your time allowance, and many other variables.

So, it’s a good idea to start with the maximum amount you need, and then chip away as necessary. Think of it like Michelangelo’s David. To create his masterpiece, the Italian sculptor took a huge block of Tuscan marble, whittling it down for over two years to reveal the final result.

Can you imagine if he just took a small torso-shaped piece, and then glued a few bits and bobs on as he went along?

It’s the same for your presentation script: write it out in full, and see how it feels when you speak it out loud. What’s that? You probably wouldn’t speak it out loud? Well, you should – some phrases sound all wrong spoken aloud, even when they look fine on the page.

Speaking aloud also gives you a much better estimate of the time it will take to present it in full; reading it in your head, or even muttering it softly to yourself just won’t give you the same timings.

Each time you speak it aloud, it will get a bit tighter, a bit stronger and a bit more personalised to the way you speak.

And, after a few drafts, you’ll have something approaching your final presentation script. Just be careful to leave it when it’s ready – it can be tempting to tweak and tweak ad infinitum, and it’s sometimes difficult to know when to leave it alone.

Now it’s decision time. What will you do with this script? There are basically three choices here:

• Read the full script.
• Cut it down to bullet points.
• Memorise it.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each in turn.

1. Read the full script

This is the safest method.

You separate your script out throughout your slides in the speaker notes section. This means you see them on your laptop, but your audience doesn’t on the big screen (or their Zoom screen).

Most people new to presenting, nervous of public speaking, not experts in the subject matter, or just a bit cautious, might initially choose this option, but it’s not without risks.

Yes, you won’t forget anything and yes, it gives you something to focus on other than the audience, but that can become an issue.

If you stand in front of your audience with your eyes glued to PowerPoint’s speaker notes, then it’s often not the best experience for them. People like to connect with one another, and eye contact – even over video calls – is an important part of this. So, if you don’t even glance up from time to time, you and your presentation can come across as cold, at a time when you should be sharing emotion.

And another issue is it can be hard to portray that emotion when you’re reading out loud, rather than speaking from the top of your head. It can be a bit like listening to kids reading out loud in primary school: sure, they are saying all the words right, but the speed, the cadence, the emphasis and passion can all be lost.

So how can you get around this conundrum: you’re not confident enough to go without a presentation script, but you don’t want to sound like an emotionless reading drone. The answer, whether you like it or not, is to practice.

Most people don’t practice, so most presentations aren’t very good. Don’t be that guy.

The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel delivering your presentation script. You’ll find that certain sentences and phrases slip off the tongue a bit easier, so you are able to make eye contact from time to time. Keep practicing and there may be whole slides or sections that you can talk around – maybe not word-for-word – but close enough.

And this is where you’re getting closer to that audience connection – in fact it’s arguably better to falter every now again – it proves you’re just human like the rest of us.

It also gets you closer to option 2.

2. Cut it down to bullet points

For most of our clients , who are pretty experienced presenters, this is the best option. It gives you the flexibility to talk around the main points, but with a safety net of all the key points written down as memory aids.

These bullets, tucked away in the speaker notes, can be a presenter’s secret weapon. With just a discreet glance towards their screen every now and again, they can make sure the whole story is delivered in full, in order, and with a healthy amount of audience connection thrown in too.

Don’t forget that speaker notes – whether a full presentation script or bullet points – are really easy to edit. So, if you tend to use a presentation multiple times, you can go in each time afterwards to tighten up a word or two here, or perhaps a couple more pointers there.

Or maybe edit them beforehand to personalise the script a bit to your specific audience – it’s a good way to mitigate on blanking the company or individual names you’re meeting.

It’s still important to practice with just speaker noters though, and you’ll find those glances become fewer and the eye contact increases as you do so. And the more you practice speaker notes, the better you’ll get, perhaps ultimately getting to option 3.

3. Memorise it

Let’s face it, the best presenters don’t need any kind of script. When was the last time you saw someone delivering a TED talk with a fistful of cue cards? Or referring back to their laptop every couple of minutes?

It’s all just there, in their heads, effortlessly transitioning through and out of their mouths. Or so it appears… again, don’t kill the messenger but these people practice over and over and over.

But memorising it doesn’t always mean literally reciting every exact word. That can be useful when you have a very strict time to work within, but the best presenters can flow in and out of their memorised script at will. It’s really something to behold.

This means they can slip in relevant stories or recent events seamlessly. Or can refer back to other talks that day, personalise their story to the audience and generally make it much more of a flexible experience.

But of course, there’s a flip side. Less experienced speakers might lose their place, miss a whole chunk out, or go off on a rambling tangent that has no relevance, like that time I went to do a talk and it was really early in the morning and usually I set my alarm for 6.45 except for Thursdays when I get a lie in but actually the Thursday before I had a meeting so I turned that alarm off, but left on the 8.30 alarm and this talk happened to start at 8.15 and I didn’t realise but the alarm was still on but the talk didn’t actually start on time because there was an issue with the pastry delivery because we usually use this one company but they couldn’t deliver them so we had to use another company which was actually run by the husband of a client we used to work with who used to be a designer but then realised that he preferred to actually bake and……… you get the point there I hope.

Your presentation script. Your way.

All in all, presentation scripts are essential in creating and presenting a great audience experience. They give you structure, flow, and confidence that simply reading off your slides, or ad-libbing it can’t.

Start with a strong presentation script, and remember that it’s entirely up to you to decide how to use it to make the most out of your own style.

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