Nano Speech: The Simple Framework to Improve Public Speaking
Imagine sitting in the audience while a presenter opens with an agenda, rambles through tangents, talks too long, and then asks, “Any questions?” You are disengaged, bored, and just want it to be over.
That speaker lacked structure and failed to connect. They made it about themselves, not the audience. You can avoid this mistake using the nano speech, a quick open, body, close framework that transforms conversations, meetings, and presentations into structured, engaging experiences.
The nano speech works for talks lasting 10 seconds to 10 minutes, and for longer presentations, you can stack multiple nano speeches with transitions connecting key points. I created it for you to be able to go from conversation to presentation using the same structure. The nano speech is how you make public speaking effortless.
What Is the Nano Speech and Why It Works
A clear structure automatically improves your speaking. It reduces tangents, keeps you focused, and ensures your audience receives value.
The nano speech is versatile:
Conversations: Introduce new topics naturally
Short presentations: Deliver 1–2 minute key points with examples
Formal presentations: Stack nano speeches for longer talks, connecting each with clear transitions
Using this framework ensures your audience stays engaged and remembers your key messages.
How to Use the Nano Speech: Open, Body, Close
Most speakers open with an agenda, repeat points, and summarize at the end. This method is predictable and disengaging.
Open – Grab Attention Immediately
Open with something that sparks curiosity:
In a conversation: introduce a new topic or ask a question
In a presentation: tell a story, highlight a problem, or explain why the audience should care
Your goal is to create connection, curiosity, and attention from the first sentence.
Body – Deliver Your Key Point Clearly
Your main point should be one clear sentence. Expand it with stories, examples, or anecdotes to make it memorable.
Keep it concise, relevant, and audience-focused. The body is where you provide real value, ensuring the audience understands your message.
Close – End With a Strong Call to Action
Never leave the close unplanned. A strong close:
Signals the end of your speech or conversation
Reinforces your main point
Provides an actionable next step or discussion question
A clear, planned close maintains engagement and leaves your audience with a takeaway they can act on.
Scaling Your Confidence Using the Nano Speech
Confidence comes from repetition and comfort. Start with a 10-second nano speech in a low-pressure environment. Once comfortable, gradually scale:
Increase speech length
Move from video calls to in-person meetings
Expand the range of topics you speak about
The Comfortable → Confident → Competent Cycle
Comfortable: Begin in a safe, familiar environment
Confident: Increase audience size or speech duration
Competent: Apply the nano speech in longer, more formal presentations
Scaling always begins with comfort. The nano speech helps you build a daily habit, making growth sustainable and stress-free.
Real-World Example: Daily Nano Speeches in Action
One of my coaching clients who was an experienced speaker, learned about the nano speech during one of our sessions. He set a goal of 10 nano speeches a day, lasting 10 seconds to 1 minute. Examples included asking for directions or restaurant recommendations.
Benefits of Using the Nano Speech
Frequent repetitions for confidence: Speaking regularly builds comfort in public settings
Constant practice: Each nano speech reinforces skills for future presentations
Low Pressure: The nano speech provides you with the opportunity to practice in low pressure environments.
Even if you don’t do ten reps a day, regular practice increases confidence and makes every conversation a stepping stone toward structured, successful public speaking.
Actionable Takeaways for Nano Speech Success
Start using the open-body-close structure in conversations and in every presentation. Make it a habit every time you speak.
Start where you are comfortable, get confident, then scale up to the next level. Scale in time speaking, forum you speak in, and topics you are comfortable sharing.
Build a daily speaking habit, just like my coaching client — this way you will realize the true benefits of the nano speech.
Learn how to structure your speeches using the Nano Speech framework in the Ultimate Guide to Public Speaking
More from Liam Sandford
Read my book: Effortless Public Speaking. Learn how to speak confidently, reduce stress, and turn public speaking into your competitive advantage. These actionable public speaking tips will help you improve your presentation skills for any audience.
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