How do you prepare for a public speaking opportunity? Do you focus on the big picture—getting your main arc clear, preparing stories and stats—or do you rehearse endlessly, script in hand, and start over every time you mess up? Ten years ago I was asked to do a talk for International Women’s Day in San Francisco. I rehearsed my script for weeks, then got on the stage and blanked out completely. What happened? I didn’t account for the fact that there would be humans in the audience—looking at me, wanting to connect, and therefore affecting my thoughts. The result—a missed opportunity to incorporate their presence into my talk.
The Over-Preparation Trap
My bad habit is to over-prepare, over-script. But what I’ve learned the hard way is that the real magic happens when you can allow space for the unknown. I used to try to memorize every little word. I think because I was scared to say something stupid—or miss my key points, or both. I would hyper-focus on getting every word perfect. Maybe it’s because I just don’t have the time to do that anymore, but I’ve come to see that over-preparing like this just doesn’t work for me. Why? Because it’s important for me to dance with the energy in the room: notice a facial expression and comment on it, ask a question off the cuff, tell a joke that feels appropriate in the moment. That’s when things get interesting. That’s when a talk really comes alive. The key is finding a balance—how do you prepare enough to feel confident without falling into the over-preparation trap?
Know Your Beats
Earlier this summer I was giving a talk for a client offsite in Amsterdam. It was a mixture of team training and presenting a narrative we had written for the company. As always, I sketched out the content before putting together any kind of deck. What were my key points? And how would I walk my audience to them? In other words, I prioritized getting clear on my beats—the key points in my talk. Then I laid them out in pithy, memorable, and complete sentences.
I say complete sentences here because too often I see people trying to organize their thoughts for a talk and they rely on bullet points. Bullet points are rarely complete sentences, and therefore often incomplete thoughts. Incomplete thoughts are just that, incomplete. What’s true is that your audience needs you to deliver completely formed thoughts: ones that move them, ones they will remember.
Here are some beats I often incorporate into my talks to give you some examples. I use these to make key ideas sticky:
- The more you say, the less they remember.
- A confused mind says no.
- Specific is terrific.
Notice these are all complete sentences. Short. Punchy. Memorable.
Your Beats As Breadcrumbs for a Dynamic Talk
Consider your beats as breadcrumbs in a talk. No matter if you lead with them or end with them, they serve as guideposts for how you move through your content. Between the breadcrumbs? This is the white space where you can improvise, connect with what’s happening with the audience in the moment, tell a story. The beats serve as your anchors in a dynamic sea of live content. Rather than memorizing an entire talk—which takes a lot of time most of us don’t have—consider memorizing the beats that move you through your content. Then improvise as you work your way through.
Stories As Your Secret Weapon
Stories are what bring any talk, presentation, or panel discussion alive. When you can pepper your content with stories, people lean in. And the best thing? You don’t have to memorize stories because they come from your lived experience.
Next time you take the stage, don’t be afraid to let the energy of the room guide you. Remember, the best talks are the ones you don’t memorize—they’re the ones that evolve in the moment and in that space of the unknown.
THE BIG PRINT:
To be a dynamic speaker, get comfortable with the unknown.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR PANELS (Without being scripted)
- Know Your Key Beats
Start by identifying the main points you want to make. These are your anchor ideas—clear, memorable beats that will guide your participation. Don’t script everything, but make sure you know your key points, so you can bring them up naturally as the conversation unfolds. - Have Stories Ready
For each beat, think of a story or metaphor that illustrates the point. These stories will help you connect with the audience and keep the conversation engaging. Don’t memorize them—just have them ready to use when the moment is right. - Dance with the Energy in the Room
A panel is a conversation, not a performance. Be ready to adapt to what’s happening around you. Listen to the other speakers, respond naturally, and let your beats and stories guide you through the discussion without feeling the need to stick to a rigid script.
TAKE IT FROM… Robin Williams, comedian, actor, and master improviser.
Williams often went off-script, interacting with the audience, and making quick, sharp transitions between beats with incredible fluidity. My parents took me to see him perform in a small theater in San Antonio, Texas when I was only six years old. That performance blew my mind: how could someone be so connected to the audience—so present? It was magical to watch, and it has influenced my approach to the stage ever since.
How would your presence shift if you ditched the script and replaced it with story beats instead? I encourage you to give it a try. And if you need support along the way, I have programs that can help. Book a call to learn more: https://calendly.com/rebeccawilliams/30-minute-consultation
Join a community of like-minded individuals committed to mastering the art of communication, stepping into leadership, and being authentic along the way.
By signing up for my newsletter at rebecca-williams.com, you’ll gain exclusive access to:
✅ Special DOJO Invites: Exclusive access to select Public Speaking DOJO sessions with live coaching and guest speakers.
✅ Early Access & Discounts: Be the first to know about workshops, courses, and events—plus subscriber-only deals.
✅ Access to my “What’s Marinating” List: Discover what’s sparking my creativity—from thought-provoking articles and books to must-listen podcasts and fresh ideas that keep me inspired.
You’ll be in good company with thousands of other savvy professionals on a mission to develop their communication skills—the fun way.
Sign up here and see you on the inside!