I’m a huge fan of memorising a talk.
Why?
I first started my speaking journey under the teachings of Vinh Giang, who is the master of mastery. He taught me to never wing a talk, and that talks should be memorised and rehearsed at least 10 times, or up to 100 times for an important event.
It’s what has given me world-class standards in the way I deliver any time I step on a stage.
Now, everyone does things differently, and not all talks should be memorised, depending on the context of the talk.
There are situations where you simply can’t memorise your responses, like in an interview or panel discussion, and that’s where the skill of improvisation is THE skill to master.
However, if you are choosing to memorise a presentation or pitch, let me share with you the 5 steps that I have used to memorise my talks, from the TEDx stage to my four-day retreats.
Step 1: Memorising short segments, one at a time.
Read a short segment of up to 70 words over and over, then start to recite as much of it as possible, looking at the script when you forget.
Repeat this until you know that paragraph off by heart.
Then add the next paragraph, and the next.
Depending on how long the talk is, this might take one hour, or 30 minutes each day over 5 days, or 15 minutes each day over 20 days.
Step 2: Partial run-throughs with notes for when you forget
Now that you’ve learned your whole talk, you’ll know it word for word, but will still be susceptible to lose your spot or go blank about what’s to come next.
This is the part where you’ll start to do partial run throughs (Eg 15 minutes of your 60 minute talk) and keep your notes handy for when you forget
Step 3: Partial run-throughs without notes
Start to do partial run throughs but this time, without relying as much on your notes. Unless you go blank and cannot recall the next section even after 30 seconds, no notes are allowed.
Step 4: Full run-throughs without notes
Once you are confident in your ability to recite your talk, it’s now time to do full run-throughs. These are best done standing up and replicating the stage that you will ultimately stand on.
Step 5: Repeat 3-100 times
This is self-explanatory lol – The more the better 🙂
Step 6: (Optional, but highly recommended) Practice in front of others
This is best to do a few times before the big day. Why? Reciting a talk in the shower is one thing, but recalling your talk under pressure is another. This will help you get comfortable with thinking under pressure, and learn how to deal with any blanks in front of other people.
Extra tips:
- Frequency is the name of the game: You’re better off memorising your talk 10 minutes a day for 30 consecutive days, than doing one hour one each week
- Movement enhances memory retention: Memorise and rehearse your talk while walking, rather than sitting
- Sleep enhances memory retention: Do your run-throughs right before bedtime, so your sleep can move your talk from your short-term to long-term memory.
Want more guidance before a big presentation? Get personalised coaching on how you can own the stage here
