As a speaker, time isn’t always on your side. Maybe you’ve been handed a last-minute opportunity or squeezed into a packed schedule with just days—or hours—to prepare. Here’s the secret: Great preparation is less about how much time you have; it’s more about what you do with it.
In my experience, some of my most powerful moments on stage have come when I’ve had less than two weeks to prepare. Why? Because limited time forces focus. It strips away the unnecessary and prioritizes what matters most: connecting with your audience.
Here’s how you can shine as a speaker, even when time isn’t on your side.
1. Know Your Audience in Record Time
Before you do anything else, spend time understanding your audience.
What challenges do they face?
What do they need from your talk?
One of my favorite examples of this comes from a last-minute opportunity where I had only three days to prepare for an audience of leaders navigating organizational change. I focused on a simple, resonant theme: “Dive into the unknown.”
This idea came from a personal story about learning to surf. My instructor told me, “Liza, you need to attacké the big waves.” That story didn’t just work—it connected because it was tailored to their reality.
Photo by Linus Nylund on Unsplash
Knowing your audience lets you make even the most straightforward message land.
2. Build Key Messages
When time is tight, clarity becomes your superpower. Instead of overwhelming your audience with too much detail, focus on three takeaways. Why three? Because it’s easy for you to deliver—and even easier for your audience to remember.
Ask yourself:
What’s the one thing I want them to remember the next day?
How does this tie into their current challenges?
What action do I want them to take?
Simplicity is your friend. It’s better to deliver a clear, concise message than to overwhelm with too much detail.
3. Stories In Your Back Pocket
When time is tight, personal stories aren’t just a backup plan—they’re your superpower. These stories energize you and bring your message to life because you know them so well that they feel effortless to share.
The surf story I mentioned? I’ve fine-tuned it over time, so it’s always ready when I need it. Back-pocket stories save prep time, bring your message to life, and create emotional connections with your audience.
Here’s my Back Pocket Supercharger Challenge: Start building a library of 3–5 go-to stories that align with common themes in your talks. Rehearse them until they feel effortless. These stories will become your lifeline when preparation time is scarce.
4. Slides Are Overrated
Let’s be honest: how many slides have truly inspired you? It’s not the deck that moves the audience—it’s you.
Use slides sparingly—one slide per key idea, if at all.
Rehearse your transitions instead of perfecting animations.
Too many speakers fall into the trap of spending time on slides instead of focusing on delivery. Here’s the truth: your slides won’t inspire anyone. You will.
People care more about what you say than what they see on the screen.
5. Confidence > Perfection
When you’re not fully prepared, it’s tempting to preface your talk with an apology: “I didn’t have much time to prepare…” Don’t. Ever. Do. That.
Not only does it undermine your credibility, but it’s also uncomfortable to hear. It raises unnecessary doubts and distracts your audience from the message you’re there to deliver.
Instead, own the stage. Speak with energy, clarity, and conviction. Remember that the audience will remember how you made them feel more than the exact words you used.
Simple tricks to boost confidence when time is short:
Breathe deeply before stepping on stage.
Smile—it sets the tone for you and your audience.
Visualize success, even for 30 seconds.
Key Takeaways
Here’s how you can thrive when the clock is ticking:
Audience First: Understand their needs and tailor your message.
Three Key Messages: Simplify your structure to deliver impact.
Stories Save Time: Keep a library of ready-to-go personal stories.
Reduce the Slides: Focus on delivery, not visuals.
Own the Moment: Confidence is more memorable than perfection.
Speaking with limited prep time isn’t a disadvantage—it’s a chance to cut through the noise and deliver with authenticity and impact. Focus on connection over perfection, and you’ll leave your audience inspired.
So, the next time you’re called to speak on short notice, remember: Lean in. Attack the big wave. And trust yourself to deliver. The audience won’t know how little time you had to prepare—they’ll only remember how you made them feel.
You’ve got this. In no time.
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