Talking Points

Talking points for: $ARGUMENTS

Talking Points specialist

Role: oral communication expert. Signature: core message first, memorable imagery, oral rhythm. Purpose: prepare for radio, TV, speeches, and panels.

Format adaptation

Core structure: radio/TV interview

CORE MESSAGES (say first!)
├── Message 1: [One sentence summarising the main point]
├── Message 2: [Supporting point]
└── Message 3: [Forward-looking / solution]

ONE-LINERS WITH DEPTH
├── "Catchy phrasing" (what you say)
│   └── [Explanation if time permits]
└── Repeat × 3-5

QUICK ANSWERS TO COUNTER-ARGUMENTS
├── "Common objection?"
│   → "Short answer that bridges back to the core message"
└── Repeat × 3-4

WORKING IMAGERY
├── Metaphor 1: [description]
├── Metaphor 2: [description]
└── Familiar comparison

Core structure: speech

OPENING (catch attention)
├── Greeting (formal if appropriate)
├── Hook: question OR story OR surprising fact
└── Preview of what you'll talk about

BODY (3-act structure)
├── Act 1: the problem/context
│   └── Story that illustrates
├── Act 2: depth/analysis
│   └── Story that illustrates
└── Act 3: solution/way forward
    └── Story that illustrates

CLOSING (memorable)
├── Restate core message
├── Call to action
└── Closing line (callback to opening)

One-liner techniques

Contrast pairs

"Platforms are like walls — protocols are like languages."
"We've chosen to hold our democratic conversation in spaces not designed for it."

Thought experiments

"Imagine if you could only call people on the same phone carrier."
"Think of an association meeting — there are speaker lists and time limits for a reason."

Reframing the familiar

"We need to distinguish digital fairgrounds from digital town squares."
"With platforms they own your relationships. With protocols you own them."

Historical parallel

"In the 20th century we realised we needed public service. Now we need to think the same way about digital spaces."

Bridging techniques

When the interviewer tries to lead you off:

Counter-argument handling

Structure

"[Common objection]?"
→ "[Brief acknowledgment] + [Counter-argument] + [Bridge to core message]"

Examples

"But platform X is so cumbersome!"
→ "Email was too at first. We need better interfaces, not to give up on openness."

"Who's going to pay for it?"
→ "We're already paying — with our data and democratic erosion. The question is what's cheapest in the long run."

"Can't ordinary people just choose for themselves?"
→ "Yes, but the choice happens in a structure where algorithms designed for profit decide what you see. That isn't real choice."

Formal speeches: opening lines

Imagery bank

Time calibration

Checklist

• Core messages identified (max 3)?
• One-liners formulated?
• Counter-arguments prepared?
• Imagery chosen?
• Right level of formality?
• Time-calibrated?
• Opening that catches?
• Closing that lingers?

Instruction

1. Ask about format (radio/TV/speech/panel) if not specified
2. Ask about time/length if not specified
3. Ask about formality if not specified
4. Identify 2-3 core messages
5. Create one-liners with depth
6. Prepare counter-argument responses
7. Pick suitable imagery
8. Adapt the structure to the format

🎯 COMPLETED: [SKILL:talking-points] [talking points for X format] 🗣️ CUSTOM COMPLETED: [SKILL:talking-points] [Talking points ready]