Finding the Sweet Spot : Staying Authentic, Un-Scripted & Confident

Sarah Santana
May 5
2 min read

Ever found yourself rehearsing a speech so many times that you start to wonder if you’re memorizing it too well? You know, where you’re so focused on getting every word right that you forget to actually feel what you’re saying? Yeah, it happens.

During my time as a working actor, I rehearsed scripts relentlessly. When you're in the business of showbusiness, getting the script down perfectly is essential—every word, every pause, every movement is carefully planned to convey a specific emotion or story. And quite frankly, it’s how you land the role.

Now, Public Speaking? That’s a whole other ball game…

The Real Magic? It’s in the Balance.

Great public speakers are prepared but flexible. They’re grounded in their message, yet responsive to the room. It’s about connection, not perfection.

So, Where's The Sweet Spot?

The sweet spot lives somewhere in between that awesome brain-dump of a script and the flexibility you give yourself to connect with your audience. Here’s how I approach it:

Nail Down Your Core Message:
Before anything else, get clear on your "why." Knowing your key takeaway keeps you grounded and helps you speak with purpose—even when you veer from your notes.
Build a Roadmap, Not a Script:
Instead of memorizing every line, outline your main points—think of it as a journey with pit stops along the way. Bullet points keep you on track, but still allow you to speak naturally and engage with your audience.
Embrace the Moment:
Read the room. Adjust your pace, tone, and energy based on how your audience responds. Speakers connect best when they treat their speech like a conversation, not a performance.
Give Yourself Some Grace:
This one is a lot harder than it sounds… Remember that one of the most beautiful things about you is that you are only human. If you are your own biggest critic, you might find it hard to give yourself a break. But here's the truth: Mistakes happen, and that’s okay. Public speaking is imperfect by nature. In fact, the best speakers are the ones who embrace their imperfections. When you make a mistake, instead of letting it throw you off, use it as a chance to connect with your audience. They’ll appreciate your authenticity.

Drop the Mic Night:

A Perfect Example of Preparedness + Authenticity

At our recent DTMN in February, speakers were prepared—but not rigid. They knew their material well, but let go of the need to be perfect. They made space for authenticity and spontaneity, and that’s what made their words powerful. You couldn’t tell where the script ended and the heart began. That’s the sweet spot.

Want to See It in Action?

Check out our DTMN First Place Winner, Jonathan!👇🏼