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You Can’t Write And Talk At The Same Time

Writing and talking are two completely different skills.

When you feel nervous about presenting, you may want to make yourself feel better by writing out everything you’re going to say.

Sounds like a good idea, I know. Unfortunately, it’s not.

The main reason is because the way we talk is very different from the way we write.

Writing is tidy, tight and has perfect pronunciation.
Talking can be messy, lengthy, filled with “um’s and let me see’s”.

That’s one reason why a screenwriter rarely writes dialogue that’s “actual” dialogue. They write dialogue that the character would say if they knew exactly what they wanted to say.

When I coach clients on how to present, I can always tell those that have written out everything they want to say word for word because they immediately begin to stumble. They lose their place. The passion is sucked out.

I understand this because I did it myself for many years.

Having your presentation written out feels comforting. The thinking is, “if I lose my train of thought, I can just go back to what I’ve written.”

It sounds good in theory. However, the reality is very different. If you go off “script” you’ll never find your place again. Then the nerves can kick in, the adrenaline will flow and brain fog will set in.

What to do?

I know you want your presentation, video or podcast to be tight, on-point and fluid.

Here are some suggestions that will keep you on track, focused AND passionate.

• • Record Yourself | Before you write ANYTHING, start talking into the voice recorder on your phone. Picture your audience in your head, then tell them what you want them to know. You may need to do this a few times.
  • Create an Outline | From this recording, create an outline. It shouldn’t be more than one page.
  • Flesh Out The Outline | Then fill out your outline adding bullet points with short reminder phrases.
  • Record again | This time you’ll follow your outline using the bullet points as prompts. The goal is to be able to speak to the bullet points without actually memorizing what you’re going to say.
  • Refine the Outline | Be sure to move the bullets around if your talk isn’t flowing naturally or to provide clarity. Add and subtract points until you have exactly the content that you want to share.
  • Make Slides If Appropriate | You can then make slides from the bullet points.
  • Finally, keep practicing! This piece is key. You want to practice your talk while recording it. The recording will give you insight into how you sound. Are you going too fast or too slow, etc. This allows you to get very comfortable with the material.

If you’re giving a long talk, 30 to 60 minutes. Break the steps down into 15 minute increments. Once complete, you can practice your presentation once or twice all the way through. Then break the practice down into 15 minute intervals.

​​​​​​​Practicing from an outline will help you stay on point while speaking naturally.

You’ve got this! Eva​​​

Eva Lewandowski MBA, is public speaking coach, that specializes in helping clients overcome stage fright. She is a certified Life Coach, certified EFT Practitioner, seminar leader, speaker and co-host of a weekly internet radio show “Corporate Talk with Charlie and Eva”. She is also a 30 year veteran of Corporate America as an IT consultant. Using the skills she learned in acting classes, life coaching and EFT certification training as well as her own struggle with debilitating stage fright, she created, Stand Up and Be Heard! Public Speaking for Private Professionals, an online, interactive course that teaches professionals how to overcome their fear of the spotlight. She is also the author of “Put on Your Phone Face: Tips and Techniques for teleconferences and conference calls”.

To learn more about Eva and her services click here.

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