Scripts aren’t the enemy of spontaneity – they are the starting point. Discover how scripting can turn you into a natural and charismatic speaker.

Why I Recommend Scripting
I'm always perplexed when I come across the advice NOT to script an important pitch or talk. To rely on your ability to improvise in the moment and rise to the occasion.
Actors start with scripts and sound natural, right? Athletes plan their moves and maneuvers to perform better in games. So why wouldn’t you?
Scripting and practicing are essential steps on the road to a natural, engaging, and effective performance!
Very few of us have the innate gift of effortless, spontaneous speaking in high-stakes situations. If you’re a non-native speaker, delivering presentations, pitches, and speeches in English can be particularly challenging.
A well-crafted and well-rehearsed script enables you to sound natural. What’s more, it allows you to be present in the moment, to tune into your audience, and to convey confidence – in short, carry charisma.
The NATURAL Approach
There are seven reasons why scripting is a great starting point for sounding NATURAL:

N – Narrative clarity: If your thoughts are muddled, your speaking will be too. Use scripting to organize your thoughts into clear, relatable messages.
A – Accurate language: Scripting is the best way to achieve high levels of accuracy. During writing and editing, you can refine word choice, grammar, and sentence structure. You can weed out mistakes that distract from your message.
T – Time limits: Scripting is essential for staying on schedule. Whether you have 3 minutes for a pitch or an entire hour for a talk, a script helps you stay within the given time constraints. You can avoid overruns and awkward pauses.
U – Unbroken flow: During scripting, you can work on sentence-to-sentence logic to improve flow. Smooth transitions between ideas ensure better engagement.
R – Relevant content: Whether you’re telling a story or providing financial data, without a script, it’s easy to stray off course. A script ensures a focused and relevant message that resonates with your listeners’ needs.
A – Audience connection: Scripting allows you to be present in the moment. Rather than struggling to find the next word or worrying whether your grammar is correct, you can give full attention to your listeners.
L – Lasting confidence: Scripting builds self-assurance. Knowing that you have built accurate sentences, double-checked grammar, and covered your main points in a logical order will give you confidence for the moment when you go “on air”.
The Problems that Come with Non-Scripting
When you don’t script, the following problems are likely:

Unorganized thoughts and undeveloped points make it hard for you, the speaker, to focus on the main message. You get side-tracked by thoughts that pop into your head. Your lack of focus means that your audience can’t follow you. As a result, they can’t see your vision.
Insecurity about word choice and grammatical accuracy make you hesitate and stumble. Mistakes distract from your message.
Your mind is primarily occupied with your performance. As a result, you don't have the capacity to tune into your listeners. You miss the opportunity to connect with your audience.
You ramble on too long. Time is up, and you still have so much to say. Or, you have time left and don’t know how to fill it.
You lack confidence and ease. You don’t come across as charismatic.
A script can take care of all these problems. It’s a fantastic way to get started.
Won’t I Sound Robotic?
When I do pitch and presentation workshops, I frequently get this question: “If I write down what I’m going to say and then memorize it, won’t I sound robotic and unnatural?”
I love this question, because it allows me to dive deeper into what it means to prepare with the help of a script.
First, let me agree with you. Nobody wants to sound like they memorized their talk. So how can you sound natural and spontaneous?
Don’t Memorize - Internalize
Scripting is not about memorizing. It’s about internalizing.

Reading through a script two or three times is not enough. Without repeated rehearsing, your notes can do more harm than good. “Under-rehearsing” from a script is the biggest mistake I have observed in 20+ years of communication training and coaching.
You need to practice until you’re so comfortable with the content that you can be playful.
A Script Is a Roadmap
A script provides direction. It’s a roadmap that tells you how to reach your target. Once you have internalized the map, you can take minor detours and easily get back on track.
The ability to adapt to the moment without getting lost will make your performance natural and engaging.
How you practice also matters. Practicing in your head, alone in your office or bedroom, is neither efficient nor effective. Rehearse with a person who will give honest feedback and coach you!
Need help? I work with professionals who want to develop a confident and natural presence for high-stakes situations. Reach out to me if you need help crafting a compelling presentation, pitch, or talk or if you need coaching to elevate your performance in the moment. Click the contact button to set up a free 20-minute consultation.
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