How to create a captivating speech: Oksana Prygotskaya's experience at the BBC
Oksana Prygotska is a person who knows how to find life even in the most complex theoretical topics. In the third quarter of 2025, Oksana spoke on the BBC with a presentation of a book about the balanced scorecard. Instead of a standard lecture, she chose an unusual format - a detective investigation. Her speech on the BBC came as a surprise to many colleagues - not because she spoke, but because of how she did it.
The preparation began with the book that formed the basis of the speech. And it was she who became the first challenge. Oksana recalls that it was literature full of formulas and dry managerial explanations. Such texts are difficult to listen to, especially when the audience expects live communication, not an academic lecture. Therefore, from the very beginning, Oksana set herself the goal of not just retelling the material, but of arousing interest, a desire to read the book on her own, find additional articles, and delve into the topic. She understood: a two-hour speech should become an investment, not a background for yawning.
Initially, the idea was to tell everything in the form of a fairy tale. However, after talking with friends, the format evolved - and so a detective investigation appeared. It was a kind of plot, where the audience, together with the speaker, explored the reasons, logic, mistakes and conclusions. “It was a detective investigation, which showed the consequences of not having a balanced scorecard.” Such a creative approach made it possible to show: numbers are not just tables, but a reflection of real processes and the responsibility of each unit. Each “gear” must work harmoniously for the organization to move forward. Despite her external confidence, Oksana was nervous. She honestly admits that public speaking for her is always emotional. She wanted to convey her opinion, not forget anything, not get lost in the material. “Speaking in public is always exciting. I wanted not to forget the words and convey my opinion. I was scared - will people accept the detective format?” However, the support of colleagues is the real foundation of success. The idea of a new format was approved, they helped organize the presentation, and, according to Oksana, it was the team spirit that gave her confidence. As a result, everything turned out so organically that a difficult topic turned into a lively dialogue with the audience, where everyone recognized themselves or their role in the company.
But if someone thinks that the main difficulty was the speech, it is not so. The most difficult stage was building the structure of the presentation. It was necessary to think over the sequence, logic, visual design, transitions between parts. This process was more reminiscent of directing a theatrical production than a classic presentation. But it was thanks to the clear structure that the story was perceived easily and naturally.
Preparing for the BBC was also a personal stage of development for Oksana. She read additional books, listened to Ukrainian speakers, watched videos and analyzed cases. It was a conscious investment process: when you teach others, you grow yourself. With experience comes inner peace - the realization that public speaking is not a threat, but an opportunity to share knowledge and energy.
Oksana also has her own vision of how best to prepare for performances. She is convinced: real preparation is not a memorized text, but a deep immersion in the topic long before the event. And before the performance, it is important to tune in emotionally, turning on your favorite song at full volume and charging yourself with energy, which you can then share with the audience. This is her own little ritual.
Despite all the intensity of her working life, Oksana always finds time for sports and books. This is not just a hobby, but a way to restore internal balance. She says that switching is critically important. If you constantly live in the work field, burnout inevitably comes.
And sometimes the best solutions appear precisely during a walk - when consciousness finally lets go of the form of tasks and allows you to look at the situation from the side.
Despite the fatigue and workload, there is always a drive in her words. She sincerely admits that she loves to solve problems, to be involved, to help move forward. It is not just a working style - it is a temperament. And, perhaps, that is why people around her are inspired. Oksana Prygotskaya's story is a story about how complex theories can turn into fascinating stories. About the fact that the fear of public speaking is natural, but it does not interfere if there is a desire to grow. About support that gives wings. And about the true love for the cause that is felt in every word. She did not just prepare a presentation - she created a story that inspires to think, feel and change.