home / skills / menkesu / awesome-pm-skills / confident-speaking

confident-speaking skill

safe

This skill helps you structure presentations and pitches using WHAT-SO WHAT-NOW WHAT framework and Matt Abrahams techniques.

npx playbooks add skill menkesu/awesome-pm-skills --skill confident-speaking

Review the files below or copy the command above to add this skill to your agents.

Files (1)

SKILL.md

2.0 KB

---
name: confident-speaking
description: Structures presentations and verbal pitches using Matt Abrahams' WHAT-SO WHAT-NOW WHAT framework and impromptu speaking techniques. Use when preparing presentations, creating talking points, or practicing difficult conversations.
---

# Persuasive Speaking

## When This Skill Activates

Claude uses this skill when:
- Preparing presentations
- Creating talking points
- Practicing pitches
- Preparing for difficult conversations

## Core Frameworks

### 1. WHAT → SO WHAT → NOW WHAT (Source: Matt Abrahams)

**Structure:**
- **WHAT:** The information/idea
- **SO WHAT:** Why it matters
- **NOW WHAT:** What to do next

**Example:**
```markdown
WHAT: "We're seeing 30% churn in month 1"
SO WHAT: "This means we're losing $500K ARR before customers see value"
NOW WHAT: "I propose we redesign onboarding this quarter"
```

### 2. Presentation Structure

**Format:**
```
1. Hook (grab attention)
2. Problem (what's wrong)
3. Solution (your proposal)
4. Evidence (why it works)
5. Call to Action (next steps)
```

---

## Action Templates

### Template: Presentation Outline

```markdown
# Presentation: [Topic]

## Hook (30 seconds)
[Attention-grabbing opening]
- Question
- Story
- Surprising stat

## Problem (2 minutes)
[What's wrong, why it matters]

## Solution (3 minutes)
[Your proposal]

## Evidence (3 minutes)
[Why this works]
- Data point 1
- Data point 2
- Example

## Call to Action (1 minute)
[What should audience do next]

## Anticipated Questions
1. Q: [expected question]
   A: [prepared response]

2. Q: [expected question]
   A: [prepared response]
```

---

## Quick Reference

### 🎤 Speaking Checklist

**Preparation:**
- [ ] Opening hook prepared
- [ ] Key points (3 max)
- [ ] Examples/stories ready
- [ ] Q&A anticipated

**Delivery:**
- [ ] WHAT-SO WHAT-NOW WHAT structure
- [ ] Pause for impact
- [ ] Make eye contact
- [ ] End with clear action

---

## Key Quotes

**Matt Abrahams:**
> "Structure sets you free. When you have a framework, you can focus on connecting, not remembering."

Overview

This skill structures presentations and verbal pitches using the WHAT → SO WHAT → NOW WHAT framework and practical impromptu speaking techniques. It helps you craft clear messages, create concise talking points, and rehearse high-stakes conversations. Use it to turn data and ideas into persuasive, actionable communication.

How this skill works

The skill guides you through a proven sequence: define the WHAT (the fact or idea), explain the SO WHAT (why it matters), and state the NOW WHAT (the next step). It provides a presentation outline—hook, problem, solution, evidence, and call to action—plus a speaking checklist and anticipated Q&A templates. You can use the templates to draft scripts, generate concise talking points, or run practice prompts for delivery and timing.

When to use it

Preparing presentations or slide decks
Creating talking points for meetings or demos
Practicing investor or sales pitches
Preparing for difficult conversations or negotiations
Rehearsing impromptu responses for Q&A or standups

Best practices

Limit to 3 core points: clarity beats quantity
Open with a compelling hook to capture attention
Always link facts to impact: WHAT → SO WHAT → NOW WHAT
Prepare evidence for claims: data, examples, or customer stories
Anticipate top 2–3 questions and craft concise answers
Practice pauses, eye contact (or camera focus), and a clear call to action

Example use cases

Board update: present a metric drop using WHAT (metric), SO WHAT (business impact), NOW WHAT (remediation plan)
Product demo intro: Hook with a user story, outline problem, propose solution, and request feedback or buy-in
Sales pitch: State the capability (WHAT), explain customer benefit (SO WHAT), and close with the next step (NOW WHAT)
Difficult conversation: State observable behavior (WHAT), explain effects (SO WHAT), and propose a constructive change (NOW WHAT)
Impromptu Q&A: Use the checklist to produce a quick three-line response that leads to a clear action

FAQ

How long should each section be in a short presentation?

For a 10-minute talk, aim for: 30s hook, 2m problem, 3m solution, 3m evidence, 1m call to action. Adjust proportionally for different lengths.

What if I don’t have strong data for the evidence section?

Use qualitative evidence: user quotes, case examples, pilot outcomes, or expert judgment, and be transparent about assumptions and next validation steps.