Should I script my conference talk?

Script the opening, transitions and closing word for word. For the middle, use detailed notes or cue cards so you can speak naturally.

How many times should I rehearse a talk?

At least five or six full run-throughs, including some in front of other people.

How many slides do I need?

Fewer than you think. One idea per slide, with minimal text, is a reliable rule.

How to Prepare a Conference Talk: A 4-Week Plan

A practical four-week plan to prepare a conference talk, from outline and script to slides, rehearsal and delivery, with tips for nerves on the day.

Conference season brings a lot of first-time speakers. A good talk is rarely improvised, even when it looks that way. Most strong speakers follow a simple preparation rhythm. This four-week plan works for a 20 to 40 minute talk.

Week 1: Message and outline

Start with one sentence: what should the audience remember? Everything in the talk should support that message.

Then build an outline:

Opening hook
The problem or question
Three main points
Examples or stories for each
Closing message and call to action

Do not open slide software yet. Work on paper or in a doc.

Week 2: Script and slides

Write the talk out, at least the opening, transitions and closing. Write for speaking, not reading. See writing scripts for the ear.

Then make slides: one idea per slide, minimal text, strong visuals. Slides support you; they are not your notes.

Week 3: Rehearse

Rehearse the full talk aloud at least three times this week. Time each run. Expect the first to be long; cut until it fits with a few minutes to spare.

Turn your script into short prompts for the middle sections. Cue cards often sound more natural than reading a full script live. See teleprompter vs cue cards. Our guide on how to practice a presentation covers rehearsal methods.

Week 4: Polish and test

Rehearse in front of a colleague or friend and ask for one piece of feedback.
Record one run-through and watch it.
Check timing again.
Test your slides on a different computer.
Prepare for likely questions.

Know your opening cold

The first minute is when nerves peak. Know your first few sentences by heart, so you can deliver them while settling in.

On the day

Arrive early and check the room, mic and screen.
Do a short vocal warm-up.
Breathe slowly before you go on. See breathing for speaking.
Have water nearby.
Start with a pause and a smile.

Notes on stage

If the venue has a confidence monitor, use it for prompts, not a full script. If not, a phone or tablet on the lectern with short prompts works well. Cue's Cue Cards mode shows one prompt at a time and keeps working offline, which helps in venues with poor Wi-Fi.

Recorded talks

Many conferences now ask for pre-recorded talks. In that case, a full script on a teleprompter can work well, because you get multiple takes. See how to use a teleprompter.