and keep their children in a safe, supervised environment. Like me, they are looking for a way to ensure their child stays on track academically and socially.
2Structure the talking points like a Q&A. Another way you can format your talking points is in the style of a Q&A. This format can be useful if your talking points are going to be used in an interview setting. For example, if you are preparing for an interview about the latest product made by your company, you may lay out your talking points in a series of questions and answers:
- Question 1: Who are you and why are we talking today?
- Answer: I am the owner of Hover, Inc. and the purpose of our interview is to discuss the release of the newest hoverboard, Hoverboard 5.0.
- Question 2: Why should consumers buy your product?
- Answer: First, it is the most affordable hover board on the market and is priced for the average consumer. Second, it is incredibly lightweight and ten times faster than other models currently on the market. Third, it has updated safety features to ensure your ride is smooth and safe.
- Question 3: Can you provide an example that shows how useful or enjoyable your product is for consumers?
- Answer: One of our designers has a young son and he gave his son the hoverboard one day to see what he thought of it. His son used the hoverboard in their driveway and showed it off to his friends. Each friend tried the hoverboard in different environments: the driveway, the park, the sidewalk, and even in a football field. At the end of the day, the designer asked his son what he and his friends thought of the hoverboard. His son told him it was the most fun they had ever had together, and that not a single friend was hurt.
3Practice presenting the talking points in front of a colleague or friend. Pretend a colleague or friend is your intended audience and present your talking points to them. Time yourself so you do not go over the allotted time constraint for your talk and use confident body language, maintaining eye contact and a straight, upright pose.
- Ask your test audience for feedback on your talking points. Ask them if they felt your main message was clear and if your talking points were well supported by examples or arguments. You should also ensure your call to action is clear and your talking points end on a high note, full of energy and engagement.
4Revise your talking points before presenting them to your intended audience. Adjust your talking points based on the feedback from your test audience and practice presenting them again.
- You may want to do this in a mirror so you can look at how you are speaking and how you are carrying your body as you speak. Make sure you use confident, open body language, with eye contact, the use of your hands, and good posture. Run through your talking points several times so you are confident and prepared when you present them to your intended audience.
Help Writing Talking PointsEdit
About This Article
The best way to write talking points is to jot down the main message of your talk, then list 2-3 points that support your message, starting with your strongest one. Use short sentences to keep your points concise. Incorporate strong keywords and concrete examples to appeal to your audience’s emotions. End by giving your audience 1-2 tangible ways to address the situation.
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