Presentation Script

Name: Adm. No: Tutorial group:

Title:
Introduction
Attention Get attention and build rapport with the audience
Getter Examples:
• Relate a personal experience.
• Tell a story or anecdote.
• Reveal something about yourself.
• Ask a thought-provoking question.
• Show an image, photograph or an object.
• Reveal something not commonly known.
• Use a quotation etc.

Imagine the streets of Chinatown falling silent without children’s

laughter… Can you picture a future where playgrounds are empty and
schools stumble to fill their classrooms? The low birth rate in Singapore
could make this imagination a stark reality.

Main What is the main message?

E.g.: "Although procrastination is generally viewed negatively, it does have some potential
Message benefits."

The low birth rate in Singapore has always been a prolonged issue.
Research shows that this issue stems from three main points: career
importance, the lack of desired childcare, and infertility among couples.

Body
First Signal the start of the first main point
Signpost Language: E.g.:
Main • Firstly,…
Point • To begin..
• I will begin with…
• Any statement that signals the first main point

Beginning with our first point, Career Importance is affected by the

high cost of living in Singapore, leading to the DINK situation (dual
income, no kids). Financial and career stability are largely affected, a
safety net wanted by women.

Personally, with rapid changes and unstable job markets today,

financial and career stability tends to be before family planning-related
decisions. Thus, career importance is essential for a stable future.
First, let’s talk about career importance. The high cost of living in Singapore has led many
couples to prioritize financial stability over starting a family. The "dual income, no kids" (DINK)
lifestyle is becoming more common, especially among women, who often see career and
financial security as prerequisites for family planning. CNBC reports highlight this trend,
showing how financial and career considerations significantly impact birth rates. Personally,
with today’s unstable economy and competitive job market, I would also prioritize career growth
before family planning.

1 Effective Communication (ECOMM)

Second Signal the transition to the second main point
Signpost Language: E.g.:
Main • Next…
Point • Now…
• The second…. is….
• Moving on, I'd like to
• What's the ….? It is…
• I'd now like to discuss the second.... which is…
• Any statement that signals the second main point or connects it to the first

The second point is the lack of desired childcare, which poses a

significant challenge for young parents. Many face issues such as long
waitlists, high costs (even after subsidies), and strict acceptance criteria
like age and vacancies, leading to a mismatch between the demand for
quality childcare and its availability. I've heard many cases about the
struggles of finding suitable childcare, and it's concerning to consider
how this could negatively impact the birth rate.

Next, the lack of desired childcare. Affordable, quality childcare near

home is essential for young parents, but issues like long waitlists and
strict acceptance criteria create significant barriers. According to
[Link], many parents are left with the choice of private childcare
but it still remains costly despite subsidies, and ideal quality standards
often do not align with available options. This gap between supply and
demand adds stress to couples considering parenthood. Many have
shared struggles in finding suitable childcare, making it clear that this
challenge negatively impacts birth rates.

Third Signal the transition to the third main point

Signpost Language: E.g.:
Main • Thirdly,…
Point • Lastly,…
• Finally,…

Lastly, infertility is a sensitive yet significant issue affecting parenthood.

Around 15% of couples in Singapore face infertility (NUHS+),
contributing to the country's alarmingly low fertility rate, which has
dropped below 1 (Straits Times). While methods like IUI and IVF are
available, they often take a physical and mental toll with varying
success rates ([Link]).
I’ve seen a friend struggle through multiple unsuccessful IVF rounds,
highlighting how these challenges can discourage parenthood and
further impact Singapore’s declining birth rate.

Lastly, infertility—a sensitive yet crucial issue. Despite wanting children,

many couples struggle with conception. NUHS+ states that 15% of
couples in Singapore face infertility, a concerning figure given the
country’s already low fertility rate, which recently fell below 1, as
reported by The Straits Times. Common treatments like IUI and IVF,
while offering hope, take a toll on physical and mental health, with no
guarantee of success. A friend of mine has undergone multiple rounds

2 Effective Communication (ECOMM)

 of treatment, investing time and wealth without success, highlighting the
emotional and physical burden infertility places on couples, ultimately
discouraging them from pursuing parenthood.
Conclusion
Reiterate Signal the conclusion
Signpost Language: E.g.:
Main • To conclude…
Message • In conclusion...
and 3 • In summary..
Main • To sum up…etc.
Points
In conclusion, Singapore’s low birth rate is driven by career priorities,
lack of affordable childcare, and infertility challenges. These factors
place significant pressure on young couples, making family planning
difficult. A strong foundation for families, supported by meaningful
government initiatives, is essential to address this issue and improve
the birth rate

In conclusion, Singapore’s low birth rate is heavily influenced by career

importance, lack of desired childcare, and infertility. These factors place
immense pressure on young couples, making family planning
increasingly difficult. Financial, emotional, and physical stability are
crucial, and with stronger government support, solutions could be found
to address this crisis. Without intervention, this issue will persist for
years.

Action End with a memorable statement that makes the listener think, feel, act or changes their
perception of things
Ending • A quotation
• A poignant, moving or challenging statement

Challenge the listeners to do something.

• Spend more time with family members
• Visit a historical place
• Try a new sport or hobby
• Join a group that does good etc.

Do you remember the scenario I mentioned at the start? Now imagine a

bustling Chinatown, with people of all ages coming together for festivals
like Chinese New Year. I feel that Singapore should develop a world
where children and careers can coexist, and support for upcoming and
even current parents should be more clearly reflected, be it privately or
publicly.
Now, let’s reimagine that opening scenario—Chinatown bustling with
life, children playing, and families celebrating festivals like Chinese New
Year. Singapore should foster an environment where careers and
children can coexist, ensuring better support for both current and future
parents, both privately and publicly.

3 Effective Communication (ECOMM)

ATTENTION GETTER:
Imagine the streets of Chinatown falling silent without children’s laughter… Can you
picture a future where playgrounds are empty and schools stumble to fill their
classrooms? The low birth rate in Singapore could make this imagination a stark
reality.

MAIN MESSAGE:
The low birth rate in Singapore has always been a prolonged issue. Research shows
that this issue stems from three main points: career importance, the lack of desired
childcare, and infertility among couples.

Combined for both parts:

Imagine the streets of Chinatown falling silent without children’s laughter… Can you
picture a future where playgrounds are empty and schools stumble to fill their
classrooms? Singapore’s low birth rate could turn this imagination into reality. This
prolonged issue stems from three main factors: career importance, lack of desired
childcare, and infertility.

4 Effective Communication (ECOMM)