Introduction
Most people do not formally prepare for most times they speak. However, when asked to give an oral presentation, everyone does some sort of preparation. For some, preparation takes the form of considering generally the things to be covered and how it is to be presented. Another article discussed the “Moment, Medium, and Message (3Ms)” and the Conception, Costs, and Consequences (3C’s). Our next step is to move from a simple view of the presentation as a performance to one of a planned production using the production model of oral presentations. Then preparation is handled in pre-production in order to consider: Scope, Content, Role, Intent, Purpose, and Target (SCRIPT) used to inform the planning, design, and development of the production.
Pre-production: Planning and design
Within the production model, the first step requires critical analysis planning and design. To assist with this, the presenter should shift the conception of her or his role from performer to producer of the experience. Eventually, at some point, the performance will happen. However, planning must come first to increase the likelihood of effective outcomes. The producer needs to consider both the 3Ms and 3Cs as part of planning. Then defining the specifics of the given situation for the presentation comes next. The following checklist provides the items to consider in our three categories as part of pre-production:
- Define your situation: Scope Content Role Intent Purpose Target (SCRIPT)
- Essentials: Message, Medium and Moment
- Contract: Context, Cost, Consequences
Components of SCRIPT
When students hear script they often only envision the page of text that can be read or memorized. However, in production, SCRIPT provides much more information meant to inform the many groups working on the production a way to coordinate and work together more effectively. Adopting the role of producers requires investigation and answering of three clusters of questions related to the given task and its circumstances. The third most focused set requires the producer to think beyond his or her own needs and desires. An effective presentation attains a goal by delivering a message to a target with the chosen medium. Though we might still create a script in the end, I have created the acronym SCRIPT to aid students to consider the aspects needed for effective planning
SCRIPT Guiding Questions
| Area | Guiding questions |
| Scope: | What are you asked to accomplish and agreed to do? |
| Content: | What will you cover and how is it organized and unfolded? |
| Role: | What responsibilities do you have and who else is working with you? |
| Intent: | What outcome do you seek-Inform, report, persuade, pitch, share a story, entertain? |
| Purpose: | What is the motivation for you in the presentation? |
| Target: | Who is the focus of the presentation, what do they know already, and what do you want them to do as a result? |
Conclusion
Answering these questions may not guarantee a perfect presentation. However, considering these elements for any production helps you prepare for the performance. Obviously the more time you have to plan and the higher the costs and consequences, the more the presenter may choose to develop the materials in support of the performance. In the end, it is your choice to what extent you prepare. Using 3M’s, 3Cs and SCRIPT are only tools to aid the process. If you do not plan and have no sense of what is expected of you, anticipating what will be successful becomes more difficult. Moreover, in educational presentations, knowing what is expected and how it will be judged is vital to both being effective and successful as well as being able to improve over time.
Citation
If you want to cite this blog article, please use the following:
Lipuma, J., & Leon, C. (2020, julio 21). Presentations: Production Planning for Effectiveness. James Lipuma´s Blog. https://www.jameslipuma.com/presentations-production-planning-for-effectiveness/
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