When most people start working on a presentation, they jump straight into the slides. They open PowerPoint or Keynote, and begin adding content, hoping that somehow it will all come together. But this approach skips the most important step — understanding the shape and flow of what you want to say.

At The Presenter Studio, we always start with a running order. It’s a simple but powerful tool that outlines the structure of your presentation — not the details, but the journey. It gives you clarity on what comes where, how your ideas connect, and what kind of experience you’re creating for your audience.

Think of it like planning a story. You wouldn’t just start writing random chapters without knowing how the plot unfolds. In the same way, you need to plan the narrative of your presentation. What’s your opening hook? When does the key message land? Where do you build momentum, and where do you give your audience a moment to reflect?

Having a running order gives you control. It helps you avoid repetition. It stops you from getting lost in tangents. And it allows you to be more strategic about when to introduce supporting visuals, when to pause for impact, and when to bring things to a close.

A good running order also takes the pressure off your slides. Because when the structure is strong, the content is easier to shape. You’re not just reacting to what’s on the screen — you’re leading the message.

In our Public Speaking Course, we walk you through how to create a strong, flexible running order that works for your style and purpose. Whether you’re giving a keynote, a pitch, or an internal update, having a clear shape to your message changes everything.

If you want to move from scattered ideas to a presentation with real flow and confidence, explore our presentation skills training courses and see how we can help - https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training