7 questions you need to ask to ace your next presentation
My biggest piece of advice is when writing a speech or a pitch – and I know it’s tempting when you feel like you are literally lost for words – but don't get AI to write it!
I love ChatGPT as a prompt for ideas. I treat it much like having a brilliant intern, it can really help spark your thinking when you hit ‘writers block.’ But the bones of a speech have to come from your own heart, your own values, your own beliefs and the stories that make you, you. Despite its many advantages, AI still cannot (yet!) replicate your unique life story and emotions.
No one else can write your talk but you. Because when you speak out of the lived experience that only you know, that’s when your words truly resonate with your audience or investors.
When I’m asked to present, I always return to ask myself the same seven questions. They allow me to dig deeply into what I believe and value most.
Why? Because belief is the engine of great speaking. Speakers can change minds, influence decisions and inspire an audience. But this needs to emerge from a compelling story or belief. One that you believe in passionately.
Watch footage of any speakers that you admire (you don’t necessarily need to agree with them!) it could be Michelle Obama, Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Viola Davis, Margaret Thatcher, Martin Luther King, anyone you love to listen to.
As you listen, tune into how their belief fires them up. And, in turn, as an audience how it fires you up too. Their words resonate with us as listeners because they also resonate with them – their words are coming at you straight from the heart.
Take a moment to reflect on your own beliefs, those deeply ingrained values that feel so natural to you that you’ve never thought to articulate them. They might seem obvious or unremarkable in your own mind, but to others hearing them for the first time, can be revelatory, even transformative.
First write down your subject, product or idea.
- What’s your intention for the speech? What will change after you speak?
- What’s the current mindset of the audience on this? What’s their pain around this subject?
- What’s the desired mindset of the audience after you speak?
- What do you believe is most important in this subject?
- When did you learn this belief? Tell me the story about that moment – make it as compelling as a movie – take me into the scenes! It doesn’t have to be the good moments either – so often your message is in your messes.
- What’s the golden nugget you want the audience to remember on this subject? If you only had a little time left on the planet, what would you want them to know?
- What’s the question, stat, quote or story you want to leave them with – something they will always remember.
These questions will get you on the right road to crafting that meeting or presentation. They will get you noticed, remembered, and invited back because you are congruent, authentic, heartfelt and you’ve authored your own authority.
Another quick tip that can also be useful is to think yourself into the mind of a chat-show guest. The best guests are the ones that handpick their most powerful stories, the most memorable ones. Then get them clear and concise so they are ready if they’re needed. Stories in your back pocket, if you’d like, ready to deliver for maximum effect.
The speakers that leave a lasting impact are those that speak their truth. Audiences want to be inspired and moved and changed by your words. If you share yourself, the audience will feel your moment and connect with you so much more.
And the beauty of sharing is that you also can always have fun with it – because it’s uniquely yours.
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