What do you do if your speech or presentation lacks structure?

If a speech or presentation lacks structure, I would start by identifying the main message or objective I want to convey. Then, I'd outline key points or themes that support the central idea and arrange them logically to create a coherent flow of information. Incorporating a clear introduction to grab the audience's attention, followed by well-defined sections with transitions between each, ensures clarity and engagement. Additionally, I'd use visual aids or storytelling techniques to reinforce key concepts and maintain audience interest.

What do you want your audience to get our of your talk. Understand the main points and this will help you create a structure to follow. Always go back to your purpose. I have had many times where I've deleted great content from a slide because I've asked myself does this really match my purpose. It may be great content but if it doesn't fit the brief then you need to avoid it.

Most importantly, don't overthink it. Keep to a few objectives and share them with your participants along with the general flow/outline of the program.

A rambling speech can lose your audience fast. To fix a structureless presentation: Identify the Core Message: What's the single takeaway for your audience? (important) Map Your Points: Outline your ideas. What points support your core message? Arrange them logically. Craft Transitions: Smooth transitions between points guide your audience and create a clear flow. Refine & Rehearse: Cut unnecessary tangents and practice your delivery. A well-structured presentation is clear, concise, and persuasive.

Draw a path of your presentation to old school paper, with intro and its elements, body and few different routes and elements in it. End the path to conclusion, with few optionals conclusions ideally. Review the whole path that it repeats the core message and stays logical and on time. Needless to say you should never find yourself in a situation that you are on front of audience with a presentation lacking structure, perhaps the worst mistake there is.

Sticking to a format everyone is familiar with is a good way to proceed. Less is more. Don't complicated and don't stray. Present the theme from a few perspectives but repeat your messages.

Your structure will be adapted depending on your audience and context. Is it an online talk or in person? This can alter your structure significantly as there may be more of a focus on visuals to ensure the audience are engaged throughout.

This is always something about which you should ask the event organizers beforehand. Consider where your speech fits in the overall event's schedule, if there is more than one speaker scheduled. Is the audience already primed/warmed up? If not, you should consider yourself an introduction to the event. Engage and excite the audience — bring extra energy. In general, the success of your speech comes down to how your audience receives it; no matter the beauty of your prose or the strength of your oration, your primary goal is getting through to your audience. Think of them like clients whom you are to please: your strategy should change in service of that goal.

Visual aids, if I had them, could also be a lifesaver. Returning to a slide deck or a whiteboard diagram helped to visually represent the flow of information I was trying to convey. This simple act of external organization often translates into a clearer mental structure for both me and the audience.

The best way to create a strong structure is to practice. Many times I have had my content in a certain structure and having practiced it a few times I have realised that certain slides are better other places and some content will be more impactful used in other ways. This can only be done through practice.