Public Speaking tip #16 – To Memorise or not to Memorise

Trying to totally memorise your talk is fraught with danger. However, there is a place for memorising your lines.

TRANSCRIPT;
I have a rule when coaching Public Speaking – don’t try to memorise your speech it is doomed to failure – but there is a small exception.

and this advice is for those who are struggling to overcome the fear of facing an audience.

The advice is to memorise the first 60 seconds of your address – not the whole lot – just the first minute.

The first 60 seconds is the most critical time in your talk – where you either have them hanging on to your every word or looking towards the exit signs

By memorising the opening will help you overcome stumbling and mumbling your way until you settle down – after that strong foundation you can go to your bullet point confident in the knowledge that the ground work has been laid.

Another thing to consider if you’re a nervous speaker is this – the audience is there to hear what’s in it for them – how they can profit, get ahead, gain an edge. You are just the messenger – the audience isn’t there to critique you so get over yourself and deliver your message. Remember its not about you its about them.

The quicker you develop that mentality the quicker you will overcome stage anxiety.

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