What is the best way to structure a public speaking presentation?

1 The framework

The framework for a public speaking presentation consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each part has a specific purpose and function in your presentation. The introduction grabs the attention of your audience, establishes your credibility, and previews your main points. The body develops your main points with evidence, examples, and arguments. The conclusion summarizes your main points, reinforces your message, and ends with a call to action or a memorable statement.

2 The introduction

The introduction is the first impression you make on your audience. It sets the tone and mood for your presentation. To create a strong introduction, you should use a hook, a link, and a thesis. A hook is a statement, question, story, or statistic that captures the interest of your audience. A link is a connection between your hook and your topic. It shows why your presentation is relevant and important for your audience. A thesis is a sentence that states the main idea and purpose of your presentation. It tells your audience what you are going to talk about and why.

3 The body

The body is the core of your presentation. It provides the details and evidence to support your thesis. To create a coherent and logical body, you should use a structure, a transition, and a point. A structure is a way of organizing your main points into categories, themes, or steps. It helps you arrange your information in a clear and consistent way. A transition is a word, phrase, or sentence that links one point to the next. It helps you move smoothly from one idea to another. A point is a subtopic that develops your thesis. It consists of a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.

4 The conclusion

The conclusion is the last impression you make on your audience. It reinforces your message and leaves a lasting impact. To create a powerful conclusion, you should use a summary, a restatement, and a closure. A summary is a brief recap of your main points. It reminds your audience of what you have said and why it matters. A restatement is a paraphrase of your thesis. It reinforces your main idea and purpose in different words. A closure is a final statement that ends your presentation on a high note. It can be a call to action, a quotation, a question, or a personal comment.

By following this framework, you can structure your public speaking presentation in a way that is clear, engaging, and memorable. You can also adapt this framework to suit your specific topic, audience, and purpose. The key is to plan your content ahead of time, practice your delivery, and enjoy your presentation.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?