One area where people don’t agree is whether to write out your presentation completely or to just put the main points on cards.
If you write the main points on cards you will probably sound more natural, interesting and confident. However, you may blank completely during your talk and forget what you are trying to say. You need to make sure that your cards contain enough words to help you if you lose your train of thought.
Tips to using cards well:
Use postcard-sized cards.
Write neatly, clearly and in big characters.
Number your cards.
Write on only one side of the cards.
Practice with the cards several times until you feel confident.
If you write out your presentation completely, you won’t sound as natural without a lot of preparation with a voice coach. However, it’s a good solution if you are extremely nervous. You may also need to write out your presentation if the exact wording is vitally important or if you are required to give out a handout of your talk.
Tips to writing it out well.
Use short sentences. What you want to produce is good speaking not good writing.
Write on A4 paper. Don’t put too much on each page and make sure no paragraph runs over onto the next page.
Use a large typeface, at least 16pt.
Number each page.
Don’t attach the pages.