The Best Way to Deliver a Script? Make it Yours.

You’ve been handed talking points. Maybe from your comms team. Maybe from leadership. Maybe you helped write them.

They’re carefully crafted. They’ve gone through rounds of approvals.
But now you’re the one who has to deliver them. And you’re worried they don’t sound like you.

That’s not just a personal hesitation. It’s a leadership challenge.

Because when a message sounds scripted, your audience hears the script, not you. And that creates distance. Distrust.

Here’s the shift: You don’t have to abandon the talking points. But you do have to take ownership of them.

Start with your “Why You?”

• Why do you care about this message? What’s your connection to the work?
• Can you recall a moment, however small, where you saw the impact of what you’re about to speak about?
  

Lead with that story. Then bring in the core message, using your language, your rhythm, your experience.

This isn’t about going off-message. It’s about being on-mission in a way that feels real and relatable.

Try this. Take your talking points and ask:

• Where can I add a personal reason I care?
• How would I explain this to a friend or family member I respect?
• What story or moment would help me ground this message in reality?

Rehearse that version.
Because that’s the one that will create trust and connection.