Why you ramble
You start talking before you know your point, so you search for it out loud. The fix: lead with the point, then back it up. Four moves, in this order.
The P.R.E.S. framework
Point
Answer in your first sentence.
Reason
Give one "because." Just one.
Example
One quick story or detail that proves it.
Stop
Land it in a few words. Then stop talking.
Same question, two answers
"What do you do for fun?"
"Uh, I mean, I do a lot of stuff, like sometimes the gym, sometimes games, it kind of depends, like last week I was gonna go but then my friend... anyway, it depends, so yeah."
PMostly lifting. It's my reset.
RIt's the one hour my head goes quiet.
ERough day last week. Hit the gym, walked out a different person.
SThat's why lifting is my go-to.
On-the-spot reps: 3 a day
The framework only works under pressure if you practice under pressure.
- Pick a random number from 1 to 20 (or have a friend pick).
- Start a 30-second timer and a voice memo at the same time.
- Answer using Point, Reason, Example, Stop. No restarting.
- Play it back once. Fix one thing on the next rep.
20 practice questions
#19 and #20 are the boss level. Nail those and you can handle any interview or first meeting.
- What's something you're better at than most people?
- What's the best advice you've ever gotten?
- What would you do with a free Saturday and $200?
- What's a skill you wish you learned earlier?
- What's your go-to food order, and why?
- Who's someone you look up to?
- What's a hot take you'll defend?
- What's the hardest thing you've done this year?
- What's one thing people get wrong about you?
- If you could master one skill overnight, what would it be?
- What's a goal you're working on right now?
- Gym, sports, or games: which one, and why?
- What's the best trip you've ever taken?
- What instantly makes your day better?
- What job would you be terrible at?
- What's a show or movie everyone should watch?
- What's a habit you're trying to build or break?
- What makes someone a good friend?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why should we hire you?
Self-check after each rep
- My point was in the first sentence.
- I gave one reason, not three.
- I finished under 30 seconds.
- I stopped clean. No "so yeah" or "um, anyway."
Do it now
Spin a question on the Speaking reps page, take 15 seconds, and answer it out loud with P.R.E.S. Then play it back once.
Want the version you can fill in?The PDF has the fill-in pages, trackers and a walkthrough video from me. Open it in your PDF app.
Download free guideDon't do this alone.
Get feedback on your reps and practice with guys working on the same thing.