Clarifying Your Central Theme or Premise (Part 2)
Your first step in creating your speech structure is to answer this question: “Based on my subject, what is my premise or central theme?” This is the big idea you want to get across.
Every TV show, movie, and book has a clear premise. So does your presentation.
Every audience wants to know that you know who they are. The premise statement is valuable because when you have your core presentation, it helps you adapt your focus and examples for each audience. Sometimes you state your premise. Other times it is in the back of your mind driving your presentation.
Hear Patricia describe your Central Theme or Premise
Imagine that I ask you, “If you had one sentence rather than 20 or 45 minutes for your presentation, what would you say?” If your answer is in one sentence and not a paragraph, you probably have your central theme. That is the premise of your presentation.
The dictionary definition of a premise is “A basis of argument leading to a conclusion.”
Once you have your premise, you list your key talking points, what we like to call your “points of wisdom,” into the outline of your presentation.
Your talking points prove your premise; they make your case for you.
You will find that the Fripp Premise Formula will help you clarify your thinking and organize your content around it while connecting to your specific audience.
Grab your pad, and write down the page, not across it.
Every . . .
Can . . .
The subject of your talk/result.
Underneath that, write “How?” and your three points of wisdom:
1, 2, and 3.
The premise of this article is and any presentation I deliver on this subject is the following: “Every ambitious professional or leader can create a powerful, persuasive presentation.”
At this point you are thinking, “That is what I want; how do I do that?” We answer the burning question we led you to ask, based on the premise statement.
The premise statement:
Every (fill in the blank) can (fill in subject or result) . . .
For example:
Every entrepreneur CAN build their business and credibility.
Every sales professional CAN drive more sales with the same database.
Every leader CAN inspire action and commitment.
Every educator CAN actively engage their students.
The premise formula leads to the points of wisdom. This is the simple structure where you add your information.
Every . . .
Can . . .
The subject of your talk/result.
Underneath that, write “How?” and your three points of wisdom:
1, 2, and 3.
The video clip is from FrippVT.com on Powerful, Persuasive Presentations online learning platform.
“The information in FrippVT is as valuable as any college course I’ve taken. This is a resource that everyone needs. The investment is worth ten times more than I paid and has been life-changing. My fees, recommendations, and referrals have increased dramatically. I am delighted. For the first time in my speaking career, I know exactly want I am doing when I walk on stage. One technique in course 8 helped me win an international speech.” Mitzi Perdue, author of How to Make Your Family Business Last
