How Does a Public Speaker Memorize a Speech?

Memory Is Enhanced by Research

Even professional, trained speakers can be put on the spot if they haven't done their homework. When a person is flustered, he is less inclined to have control over what he says, whether as a result of nervousness or simply poor judgment. This problem is avoided if a speaker conducts a little preliminary research before addressing an audience. Just as a high-performing student may have a friend help him to review study questions for a test, polished speakers practice speaking extemporaneously on the subject of a speech.

Memory Is Stimulated by Interest

Effective speakers choose to engage their brains in the memory process by working to build interest in the subject they are speaking about. Our brains naturally resist trying to learn boring information. Consequently, if a speaker is discussing a dry subject such as the history of locomotives, he may want to illustrate a train's enormous power in relation to other modes of transportation by describing the powerful impact a train will have on a car during an accident. Such an angle will attract the attention of audience members, who are concerned with their own safety on the roadways.

Memory Improves With Practice

Using a cassette recorder can help a speaker to practice. In order to avoid being unsure of what to say, the speaker can prepare a rough draft of his material to refer to while recording. This recording process may help a speaker to build confidence, improve his familiarity with the content of his speech and determine whether he should modify his delivery to correct for any weaknesses in his speaking style.

Chunking Assists in Memory Mangement

Note cards can be friendly allies when giving a speech since they allow speakers a means of practicing the skill of "chunking." Chunking is a memory mechanism that we use in our lives every day, such as when we remember lengthy telephone numbers in blocks of three or four digits. Thus, instead of remembering one solid block of information for a speech, skilled speakers focus on remembering material in smaller portions.

Body Language Complements Memory

Body language is an important factor in speech-making, although its importance is often neglected. Trained speakers often use tangible transitions in order to enhance their speeches. For example, at key points during a speech, such speakers may stride across the stage to address a specific portion of the audience. Or a speaker may hold up a prop such as a book to engage his audience's attention while at the same time providing them with a visual landmark with which to map the progress of the speech.

Resources

• When to Memorize a Speech
• Memorizing vs. Notes in Public Speaking