Think about your main topic first—what is the main idea that you’re trying to get across? Then, break it down into 3 specific ideas—this is a great way to focus your discussion.
If your point is about a particular animal such as a tiger, visualize a tiger for that point. If your sub point to that main idea is about how a tiger finds prey, visualize a tiger running towards its prey in the wild. If you main idea is about how education is changing, visualize a caterpillar turning into a butterfly or a person changing their shoes. If your sub point to that main idea is how different classrooms look, visualize a classroom or visualize two contrasting things like oil and water.
A trigger word for a sub point about how a tiger finds prey could be “yum” to stimulate you to think about food. Trigger words should be short and clear. Sometimes using unique trigger words works best. Your trigger words or phrases only have to make sense to you. Choose words or phrases that quickly jog your memory about the point you’re trying to recall.
You may want to assign main points to larger body parts such as your feet, stomach, arms, hands, and head. You may want to assign details or less important points to smaller body parts such as your toes, knees, hips, fingers, and ears.
Lets say you have 10 points, you can begin at your feet, move to your knees, then your thighs, next to your hips, ribs, shoulders, neck, ears, head, and finally eyes.
It is vital that you remember how many points to deliver in your speech. Be sure to memorize this number and count as you go so you don’t go over or fall short.
Consider your learning style, too. For example, if you’re an auditory learner, then play an audio recording of your speech. If you’re a visual learner, then highlight important passages that you want to emphasize. Or, you might be kinesthetic—if so, rehearse the body language you’ll use.
Besides just recalling how many points to hit, be sure you know the correct order. You must not be reluctant about where to go next when moving from body part to body part or your presentation will lack fluidity.
Take some time to simply practice the order you plan on moving around your body. Make sure to do this without actually stopping to present the main ideas at these stopping points. You’ll want to be able to move very swiftly and be certain about where to go next.
Transition sentences are phrases that link one thought to another. It is so very important that you incorporate these into your presentation. If you do not shift from one idea to the next in a proper way using transition sentences you run the risk of sounding robotic and rehearsed. Make certain your thoughts flow so that you are not stopping abruptly or jumping suddenly from one point to another. [7] X Research source Examples of good transition words or phrases between similar ideas include “Similarly,” “Likewise,” etc. Examples of good transition words or phrases between contrasting ideas include “On the contrary,” “Contradictory to,” etc.
