When I got into speaking, people watched DVR’s and listened to CD’s and memorization was the thing.
Top speakers memorized a script and then did their thing with slides, video, maybe a little theatre-storytelling.
It never worked for me.
For one reason, I found it hard to memorize a speech, plus it put me at risk of forgetting my lines and freezing. Not good for me – definitely not good for the audience.
Instead, I use a process to design an awesome speech, summarize it and then, finally prepare the brief notes I’ll bring on stage with me (read the steps I take to prepare a speech here.)
On the other hand, I do memorize my opening and close.
When I kick off my speech I want it to be flawless and have the audience leaning in. That part is memorized.
When I close I want to present a summary and bring the audiences’ energy up – it’s important I’m relaxed and, at the same time, delivering a high-energy close. I need that part well crafted and memorized.
My friend, Michael Port says “A good speech is a conversation with the audience.” My conversations aren’t memorized – neither are my speeches.
BOSS Tips are quick lessons about the business of speaking. See more BOSS Tips by clicking the category “BOSS Tips”.
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