Question ~
When giving a memorized speech, I sometimes lose my train of thought if I look at the people too closely. How can I prevent this from happening?
Mary’s Answer ~
Firstly, I would encourage you to internalize your speeches, rather than memorize. The difference being: In memorizing, you are having to check back with your mind to see what the next sentence is going to be. Internalization on the other hand, is when you know your speech so well that do not have to ‘think’ about the words.
There are a few ways you can achieve this. Here are 2 ways that work best for me:
#1 – Know what you want to say.
Know your material so well that a simple pointer E.g. a Bullet point can prompt you to say your material. This is done by lots of practice.
#2 – Internalize, not Memorize.
Rather than giving a ‘memorized speech’ — give the speech as though it was a conversation. E.g. Write down a few bullet points that your speech will cover, and then simply ‘talk to’ the audience about those points. This also takes practice, and trusting in yourself that what comes out of your mouth is exactly what needs to come out in that moment.
Mary Cheyne
2009 World Champion of Public Speaking 1st Runner Up
Keynote Speaker/Trainer/Coach
Magnetic Podium
www.magneticpodium.com