How to Rapidly Memorize a Speech
If you've read and implemented the principles of my last two articles, you should by now have a decent speech.
However, for one reason or another, you may need to memorize your speech.
For most people, this is an excruciating process that can take hours per page.
I can't teach you to have photographic memory; however, I can teach you a few tricks that can help bring down the time necessary for memorizing a speech.
1.
Break into small sections I know you've probably heard that a million times, but it is crucial! However, the only good place to break up the speech is at logical transitions.
Mood changes, different examples, and transitions into your conclusion or out of your introduction are all good places to break up the speech.
Do not be lazy and break up the speech by paragraph, because the resulting speech will be much less smooth than a speech broken up at a transition point.
This advice is particularly useful when combined with combining audio and visual input.
2.
Record your voice and play it back as you read Do this by sections just like you would if you were reading alone.
Just record yourself reciting one section with the writing in front of you, and then read the text in your head while the recording of your voice plays.
The association of the text with your voice will help prevent you from stumbling or having a momentary memory lapse.
Combining these two tips will severely cut down the time necessary to memorize your speech, but there is one other tip I have, to be used less than an hour before you get up and speak, after you feel confident already.
3.
Create a highly condensed version of your speech on a note card This should really be less than twenty words.
If I was giving a presentation on the advantages of an environmentally friendly home, for example, my note card would probably look like this: - Reduces electricity costs - Uses less fuel - Leaves a smaller carbon footprint This condensed speech is only for a quick review before speaking, as a safety precaution.
If you know the main ideas of your speech and forget the exact wording, it's not all that hard to just create a new wording on the spot.
This probably won't be necessary, but there is always the chance of forgetfulness.
If you follow all of these rules, you can cut down the time needed to memorize your speech by half or even by three-quarters, as well as make your speech very smooth and relaxed.
However, for one reason or another, you may need to memorize your speech.
For most people, this is an excruciating process that can take hours per page.
I can't teach you to have photographic memory; however, I can teach you a few tricks that can help bring down the time necessary for memorizing a speech.
1.
Break into small sections I know you've probably heard that a million times, but it is crucial! However, the only good place to break up the speech is at logical transitions.
Mood changes, different examples, and transitions into your conclusion or out of your introduction are all good places to break up the speech.
Do not be lazy and break up the speech by paragraph, because the resulting speech will be much less smooth than a speech broken up at a transition point.
This advice is particularly useful when combined with combining audio and visual input.
2.
Record your voice and play it back as you read Do this by sections just like you would if you were reading alone.
Just record yourself reciting one section with the writing in front of you, and then read the text in your head while the recording of your voice plays.
The association of the text with your voice will help prevent you from stumbling or having a momentary memory lapse.
Combining these two tips will severely cut down the time necessary to memorize your speech, but there is one other tip I have, to be used less than an hour before you get up and speak, after you feel confident already.
3.
Create a highly condensed version of your speech on a note card This should really be less than twenty words.
If I was giving a presentation on the advantages of an environmentally friendly home, for example, my note card would probably look like this: - Reduces electricity costs - Uses less fuel - Leaves a smaller carbon footprint This condensed speech is only for a quick review before speaking, as a safety precaution.
If you know the main ideas of your speech and forget the exact wording, it's not all that hard to just create a new wording on the spot.
This probably won't be necessary, but there is always the chance of forgetfulness.
If you follow all of these rules, you can cut down the time needed to memorize your speech by half or even by three-quarters, as well as make your speech very smooth and relaxed.
