Part of a Voice123 scriptwriting series written and compiled to provide tips, ideas, and examples
Do you have important meetings coming up but you’re just not sure how to write your presentation scripts for them? Then you’ve come to the right place! First of all, because the strength of a business presentation depends so much on how well the script is written, take a moment to go through other posts in our Voice123 scriptwriting series: commercial, documentary, video game trailer, promotional, and explainer video scripts. We’re sure you’ll find them useful too!
Presentation scripts for business
Presentation scripts especially for business are generally known for being dull. That said, they don’t have to be. There are ways of infusing even the most boring material with sufficient rhythm, pizzazz, and effervescence! It’s all about crafting a balance between all the elements.
Let’s assume, for the purposes of this exercise, that you’re still working on some presentation scripts. Still – for the sake of maximum impact – you’ve decided to get a voice actor to voice a portion of your script for presentation. Of course, Voice123 will undoubtably have just the right voice actor to narrate the insert-segment for you!
Preparation steps
Before you even begin tapping away at your keyboard, ask yourself:
- What is my ultimate purpose and who is my audience? This will allow you to tailor your language, storytelling and attitude to meet your goal. What do you want your audience to feel? How would you like them to react? What should they do once your script for presentation comes to an end? Consider aspects such as the average age, profile, nationality, interests, etc., of your audience as well.
- In what context is my presentation taking place? Are you participating as one of several presenters at an event, or are you the sole presenter? This is especially important if you’re one of many people with a script for presenting on the same topic; you don’t want to end up having a recorded segment that just repeats what the previous presenter talked about. To avoid this, a good idea is to start by thinking outside the box from the get-go. It’s much easier to change your own presentation scripts, than to change a recorded section. So, how can you say what you want differently in the voice over section?
- What technology will be at my disposal? Will I have use my own laptop, or projector?
- How large is the audience? While your content may not need to change, the style of your presentation might. There’s a huge difference between an audience of just 3 compared to an audience of around 3000 viewers. Little more than a comfortable fireside-like chat may be enough to engage a small audience. However, you’ll need to adapt your manner and extend your reach much more to engage with a larger audience. It also means you’ll have to be more animated to hold their interest and the presentation scripts you have for the voice over section must reflect this.
- How long is my presentation? A short 5-minute presentation must be concise and to the point. Longer presentation scripts will allow you to include more detail in your storytelling, but avoid the urge to go beyond 15 minutes; unless your material is truly compelling, or you have a lengthy timeframe. Longer and more drawn out presentation scripts can contribute to losing your audience’s attention before you have the chance to capture it.
- What kind of presenter am I? Even if it’s tempting to step outside your own comfort zone, it’s probably best to remain true to your character. Choose a voice actor whose style of narration complements yours. This is especially necessary if you’re presenting either before or after the voice over segment. If you’re not a naturally exuberant, don’t use a voice actor who gives that impression by over-dramatizing the voiced segment. By the same token, if humor doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t make use of it. Few things are more embarrassing than cracking a joke that nobody laughs at.
Writing your presentation scripts
Here are some tips:
- Keep your sentences short and write only what is relevant to your presentation scripts. For parts that are onscreen, bulleted lists of key phrases are always winners. They’re easy to read and easy to grasp.
- Adapt the tone to the topic and get the voice actor to do the same. For example, if you’re talking serious business, let the voice actor likewise talk serious business. Gauge your audience well and adapt the presentation style accordingly.
- Avoid the use of hyperbole or unnecessary superlatives. While you may want to include adjectives like ‘awesome’, fantastic’, ‘great’, ‘amazing’, ‘stunning’, ‘incredible’, ‘phenomenal’, etc. in your presentations scripts, don’t. Although, you’re extremely enthusiastic about your product or service, too much is overdoing it and the audience may start to doubt your sincerity. In a nutshell, keep it real.
- Ensure there are no grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors in your presentation scripts, especially if parts of it are going to be projected. Your audience is likely regard you as either careless, unprofessional, or both. Or worst case scenario, they could misunderstand or misinterpret something that’s misspelt.
Examples of presentation scripts
LinkedIn’s Slideshare.net offers a wide range of outstanding examples that are sure to serve as wonderful inspiration for writing your own presentation scripts. Go through various examples and templates to give you an idea of what’s trending. Then use the ideas and concepts to inspire your creativity.
Delivering your presentation scripts
Of course, even the very best presentation scripts are likely to fail if the delivery itself is poor. The trick is, dig deep and focus on becoming an engaging presenter. The Harvard Business Review offers some valuable advice that’s well worth paying attention to. These can help you infuse, emotion through tone and modulation. Even a simple aspect like adequate pausing can create suspense and build to a moment that the audience remembers long after the presentation. Much like the voice actor you choose to narrate the voiced segment of your presentation, you’re a storyteller too. And this is your moment to draw the audience to your product or service.
Never forget that. When it comes to finding a voice actor that’s right for your presentation scripts, you can post a project for free on Voice123. You can listen to different voice samples and get a real feel for the type of voice over you want to resonate with the audience.
Final thoughts on presentation scripts
Presentation scripts are a vital part of the business world. Whether you’re planning a strategy meeting or simply delivering an update on the company’s quarterly progress, your presentation scripts are a reflection of you, the work you’ve accomplished and by extension, the company name. Consequently, putting in the effort to create presentation scripts that exude quality, time and determination can turn you into well-established and respected leader in your industry. To achieve this, use any opportunity you can find to tap into the potential presentation scripts have to offer. Voice123 is also overflowing with professional voice talent that can magnify any and all presentation scripts. Find a voice actor here! And finally, we wish you every success as you continue writing and creating some of the most incredible presentation scripts available in the business world.
FAQ’s on presentation scripts
Making a presentation script for business is a combination of storyboarding and engagement. Start by creating an outline of what you want you want to achieve and incorporate aspects of interests to the audience.
Presentations follow the general structure of introduction, body, and conclusion. However, scripts should also have a personal and human element of interest. By infusing emotion, personality, and even humor you can keep the audience engaged from start to end.
