The secret to better scripts

Writing something that will be presented, recorded, or spoken aloud? Here’s a remarkably simple way to make it even more compelling and effective.

Even if your message will be heard by thousands, write it to just one of them. Pick out one person from that audience and write the message as if you were talking with him or her. If you can’t think of someone, write it to your mother or your favorite aunt.

This approach works because what you write will be more conversational and engaging. Instead of sounding like a formal address, it will come across a personal chat. And ultimately, that’s what it should be, because even if you’re going to deliver it to a thousand people, they’ll hear it one audience member at a time.