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:

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

# 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.”