Find your big idea and narrow it to one main point
Narrow your topic so there is one point that your talk can be about. The more broad your topic is, the more your talk will seem unfocused. The more narrow your topic is, the more you will seem like you have a clear direction. For example, instead of “Exercise is important” try “A short walk after lunch can make an afternoon break more active.” That second example can be turned into a talk because the main point is clear: take a walk at lunch. The talk could explain how easy that habit is to make and how it might affect energy later on in the day. The main point is the idea that your listener should remember when they leave your speech. If a detail you want to include doesn’t relate back to your main point, save it for a different speech!
Outline what you’re going to talk about
A one-minute presentation has three parts: a beginning that grabs interest, a middle where you include one or two details that relate to your beginning, and a strong ending that repeats the idea from your beginning. Write down what you might want to talk about and organize it according to those three parts. If it’s hard to organize your ideas, try a transition that lets you know what part you’re in with “The reason this matters is…” or “But here’s what you need to know…”
Make it into an outline and practice your talk out loud
Instead of writing out a full speech with every word memorized, write down key words that will help you remember to move from one topic to the next. If you memorize a speech but forget one phrase, you’re likely to forget the rest, but if you have keywords, “lunch break,” “ten-minute walk,” “afternoon energy,” “easy habit.” it’s easier to remember to talk about each concept in the correct order. You’ll also sound more natural by creating your own sentences with each new key word, instead of sounding like a robot with a memorized phrase.
Time yourself and cut it down if it’s too long
A one-minute presentation is supposed to be short, so if it runs long when you say it out loud, cut a few key words until you can say it in about a minute. It’s best to cut too much information rather than talk too quickly because your listeners have time to understand each piece of information.
Record yourself and listen to your own talk to see what’s working
Use the recording feature on your phone to listen back on your speech to see if it flows well and makes sense. Listen to see if the main point is clear, rather than critiquing each “um” or judging the sound of your own voice.
Remember the goal: to talk about one point in one minute that sounds natural, rather than sounding perfect and grand. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hit exactly 60 seconds the first couple times, and don’t worry about not being a professional speaker. Add small pauses after the beginning and right before the ending to let listeners know that structure within your mini presentation.