Imagine you’re at a conference, listening to a speaker. They step up to the podium, a clicker in one hand and a script in the other. As they start to read verbatim from their slides, something crucial is missing: the connection.
You only have 15 seconds before your audience decides whether or not they want to hear more. Make sure you make those 15 seconds count!
This disconnection is a common pitfall when presenting, and it can dilute the impact of your message. Many professionals, like Melanie Squire, advise working from an outline rather than reading word for word to avoid this.
The Disconnect of Reading Aloud
You risk breaking the interpersonal connection with your audience when you read directly from a script or your presentation slides. Your eyes are glued to the text, not the faces in front of you. This lack of eye contact can make your audience feel disconnected as if they’re being talked at, not engaged in a conversation. Maintaining eye contact, on the other hand, fosters a sense of connection, making your audience more receptive to your message.
The Power of an Outline
So, if there are better approaches than reading verbatim from a script, what is? The answer lies in working from an outline. An outline is like a roadmap for your presentation. It provides structure and guidance while allowing you the flexibility to speak naturally and engage with your audience.
The Role of a Thesis Statement
A clear, concrete thesis statement serves as a compass for your outline. It should concisely summarize the main point you want to convey in your presentation. Every main point in your outline should directly explicate this thesis statement. In this way, your thesis statement keeps you on track, ensuring your presentation is cohesive and focused.
Maintaining the Scope
A critical aspect of working from an outline is keeping your presentation within the defined scope. Let’s say your general purpose is to inform your audience about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With such a broad topic, you must narrow it down to a specific purpose.
For example, your specific purpose could be to inform a group of military veterans that regular treatment is crucial for recovering from past trauma. Every point in your outline should relate directly to this specific purpose.
Suppose your outline veers off course, and you find that a main point needs to align better with your thesis statement or specific purpose. In that case, it’s a sign that you’ve wandered outside the scope of your presentation. In such cases, revisiting and revising your outline is essential to ensure everything aligns cohesively with your message.
Applying the Concept – Melanie Squire’s Expertise
A real-life example of the power of working from an outline can be found in Melanie Squire’s work. Melanie Squire is a Trauma Consultant and Speaker for Responder Solutions, who previously served as the CEO, Director, and Trauma Therapist at the Military and Veteran Counseling Center. She’s an expert in her field, having attended the University of Utah and working with various military units, SWAT teams, first responders, and emergency crews.
Melanie Squire’s extensive experience involves debriefing teams following critical incidents in Utah’s most challenging disasters, including airplane and helicopter crashes, avalanche rescues, and collaboration with emergency ski patrol teams. In these high-stress situations, clear communication and focused presentations are paramount.
Connection, Clarity, and Expertise
Connection and clarity are critical to an impactful presentation. Reading from a script or slide may fracture the interpersonal connection with your audience. Working from an outline, on the other hand, allows you to maintain eye contact and engage your audience in a conversation.
This approach ensures that your presentation remains within the scope of your thesis statement and specific purpose, ultimately delivering a more coherent and compelling message.
Melanie Squire’s expertise and experience in high-pressure scenarios underline the importance of effective communication, especially when dealing with traumatic situations. Working from an outline is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and delivering a message that resonates. So, next time you’re faced with a presentation, consider working from an outline and experience the difference it can make in your ability to engage, educate, and inspire your audience.
To learn more about Melanie Squire, listen to her on Spotify.