Tips for Remembering Your Speech
There are many ways you can enhance your ability to remember your
speech. Don’t be fooled into thinking you need to recall it word for
word – this isn't advised. However, there are some things you can do to
make your speech easy to present and not have to completely rely on
notes.
1. Mindmapping is a brainstorming session you might do when you are
creating your speech outline. Mindmapping uses the right side of the
brain, which has strong links to your memory. This process involves
writing the topic of your speech in the middle of a piece of paper and
then brainstorming as many ideas as you can. Each idea is to be written
on the paper and then connected to the main thesis by a line. This ‘mind
map’ of your speech topic will stay in your memory and make it easier to
recall your speech when you are presenting it.
2. Once your speech is written, practice it – out loud! The more you
rehearse your speech as if you were really giving it, the more likely
you are to remember it. You could even tape your presentation and listen
to it – this will help you recall it when necessary. Include your body
language and gestures in your rehearsal. Movement will prompt your
memory banks.
3. Use cue cards, (also known as palm cards or note cards). This simple,
but effective tool, will keep you on track. Have your main points
written on each card, not your whole speech. Write down your quotes and
reminders when it is time to tell a story. If you lose your place it
will be easy to pick up your thread of discussion if you have prepared
cue cards.
4. Before you begin, have a quiet moment for meditation or relaxation.
Breathe deeply and calm yourself. Exercise can also stimulate your
memory. If you can afford a brisk walk before your presentation (without
making yourself perspire too much!), this will also stimulate your mind
to recall your presentation.
5. If you are using visual aids such as slides or overheads during your
speech, these can work as reminders. They can also be effective in
getting the audience to focus on something other than you if you have
fumbled or lost your place. Use bullet points not paragraphs of text in
your slides. Using pictures and visually enhanced words on the slide can
also prompt your memory.
6. When it is time to use examples your story telling should prompt your
memory. If the story actually happened to you, you should remember it
vividly. This anecdote will help you keep on track. Using humor in your
stories will also help you remember them.
If you do happen to make a mistake or lose your place, don’t worry.
Recover as gracefully as you can and move on. Take a deep breath and
find your place. You may have even prepared for this eventuality and
have an activity for your audience while you find your place and begin
again.