Business Communication & Digital Workplace · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 3: Online Meetings and Public Speaking · Lesson 2 of 3

Structuring a Short Talk

Organise a talk so the audience remembers it.

In this lesson you will

  • Use a clear talk structure
  • Open and close strongly

Key concepts

hookthree pointsexamplescall to action

The lesson

Open with a hook — a question, story or striking fact — and state your message.

Make two or three points, each with an example.

Close by repeating the message and saying what the audience should do.

Step by step

  1. Choose a topic and message.
  2. Write a hook.
  3. Outline three points with examples.
  4. Write the close.
Step-by-step

A three-minute talk: 'Why our clinic should open on Saturdays'

A simple structure applied to a short persuasive talk.

  1. Hook (20 seconds)

    'Last month, 63 mothers told us they could not come on weekdays because they work at the market.'

  2. Message (10 seconds)

    'Opening on Saturday mornings would reach families we are missing.'

  3. Point 1 with example (40 seconds)

    Demand: the survey numbers and one mother's story.

  4. Point 2 with example (40 seconds)

    Cost: two staff for four hours, covered by moving the Wednesday afternoon session.

  5. Point 3 with example (40 seconds)

    Evidence: a nearby clinic that did this and how its attendance changed.

  6. Close and call to action (30 seconds)

    Repeat the message and ask for approval of a three-month trial starting next month.

Result

A talk with one clear message, three supported points and a specific request the audience can act on.

Practice activity

Outline a three-minute talk.

Expected result: A clear talk outline.

Check your understanding

  1. What is a hook?

    Show answer

    An opening question, story or fact that grabs attention.

  2. How should a talk close?

    Show answer

    Repeat the message and say what to do.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.