My wife and I treated ourselves to something special: a day out in London with just the two of us while our son was at nursery.
We’re having a great time – but we’re also on a mission. We want to get as many steps in as possible. That means less time on the tube or buses, and more time walking.
By mid-afternoon, our energy starts to dip. We need a caffeine boost. We’re in the posh neighbourhood of Knightsbridge when we spot a café selling our favourite: karak chai – a strong, spiced tea cooked in a pan with milk. A staple in our Pakistani heritage, and something we take pride in making every morning.
We decide to part with a small fortune for two cups. I go through mine quickly, as usual. My wife, at her usual steady pace.
We know this tea is supposed to be refreshing. That’s what we expect.
But that’s not what we get. Instead, it leaves us slightly nauseous. There’s a heaviness in the chest. A bitter aftertaste. The tea had clearly been overcooked.
We realise the reason our own chai works is because of the balance – the right amount of heat, time, and care.
And it’s the same with public speaking.
Preparation is crucial. You can’t wing a presentation. It must be rehearsed. It must be practised. But it must not be overcooked.
If a speech is memorised or delivered word-for-word from a script, it doesn’t sound natural. It stops being a conversation. Instead, it feels like the speaker is offloading content onto the audience.
This is why even world leaders sometimes fail to connect. A tightly scripted speech gives control over the message – but it takes away authenticity.
When speakers know what they want to communicate and speak naturally, they sound more genuine. That’s also the best safeguard against forgetting what to say. Reading from a script or recalling lines verbatim is risky – especially if you lose your place or train of thought.
To strike the right balance in preparation, consider these:
- Know your purpose and the main messages you want to deliver.
- Know your transitions – can you link one part to the next instead of just finishing one and starting another?
- Pause like you’re thinking – and actually think. Let the audience absorb what you’ve just said.
- Memorise a few things – like your opening, your closing, or certain phrases you want to land with impact.
Do this, and you won’t need a script. Nor will you need to memorise your entire speech.
While there are ways to make a memorised speech sound natural (a topic for another blog), it’s a risky strategy and often creates more pitfalls.
A more natural, conversational delivery leaves the audience feeling refreshed – and never sick.
P.S. Check out my showreel: https://youtu.be/rpTqsCwNoMo?feature=shared.
If you would like 1-1 coaching, group workshops, or an engaging keynote speech on mastering the art of public speaking, get in touch.