One of the first things executives often ask me when preparing for an important presentation — whether it’s an investor day, conference, or a board update — is, “Should I use notes?”
My simple answer: “No.”
Why Notes Create a Barrier
Notes may feel like an innocent and important safety net, but in reality, they create a dangerous distance between you and your audience. When you glance down to read, even briefly, you break eye contact, disrupt your rhythm, and risk sounding scripted.
Presentations are about connection, which is why the best presentations are conversations. And nothing builds trust more than speaking directly, with confidence, in your own voice. When was the last time you used a script to have an honest conversation?
The Power of Preparation
The key to eliminating notes isn’t winging it. It’s preparation. But preparation doesn’t mean memorizing every word. In fact, trying to lock down an exact script usually makes you more rigid, not more confident.
Instead, it’s about knowing your high-level key messages (not exact words) so well that they come naturally. Think of it this way: for every slide in a PowerPoint deck, there should be a single message you want your audience to take away. Once you know that message, practice weaving your story around it until the narrative flows comfortably in your own words.
This approach makes your delivery conversational, flexible, and, most importantly, authentic. If you momentarily lose your place, you can quickly regroup because you’re anchored in the idea you want to convey, not trapped in exact phrasing.
At Sharon Merrill Advisors, we coach executives to internalize the story rather than memorize the script. With effective practice and repetition, you’ll find that each message — and the natural language you use to share it — becomes second nature.
Authenticity Over Perfection
Audiences don’t expect you to recite lines flawlessly. They expect you to be authentic and know your stuff. An “expert” in anything shouldn’t need notes about their area of expertise. A small pause, a moment to gather your thoughts, or even a quick rephrase comes across more real than reading verbatim.
Investors value executives who are genuine and relatable. Those who ditch the notes tend to come across as more confident, credible, and trustworthy.
Practical Tips to Let Go of the Notes
- Outline, don’t script. Use a simple framework (opening, 3–4 key points, close) to anchor your talk.
- Know the high-level key message of each slide. Identify the one big takeaway per slide and then practice speaking to 3–4 key points that support that key message until the words flow naturally.
- Rehearse out loud. Practice delivering your story until it feels conversational.
- Record yourself. Play it back to understand where you could use more vocal variety to emphasize key points, where you use too many “filler” words, or where your points need more clarity.
- Focus on what matters most. It’s not about the exact words — it’s about what you want the audience to remember.
Final Thought
The best presenters aren’t those with the most polished slides or the most eloquent scripts. They connect, inspire confidence, and deliver their message with conviction. That rarely comes from a set of notes.
When you walk into your next big presentation, leave the notes behind, and bring your authentic self instead.
