Assess
- Read who is there and why
- Gauge what triggered the engagement
- Decide how much story you need
Build Core
- Set name, origin and role
- Define your purpose for being here
- Fix a timeline and what comes next
Add Detail
- Layer specifics that can be proven
- Use details hard to fake
- Keep extras easy to explain
Anticipate
- Predict likely questions and doubts
- Pre-load answers to challenges
- Close gaps before they appear
Deliver
- Speak with calm confidence
- Stay relaxed and consistent
- Hold control of the exchange
Maintain
- Keep the story consistent over time
- Repeat it the same across people
- Avoid contradicting earlier details
Make It Real
- Reference local places, weather, events
- Carry IDs, tickets or receipts
- Add a believable personal reason
Act The Part
- Dress, speak and move to match
- Behave as the role would
- Sell it through behavior, not words