Making a speech, or even just telling a joke, can strike fear into even the most practiced performers. But preparation, organization, and a method to keep you on the course can do much to reduce your anxiety.
In ancient times, Greek and Roman orators used memory techniques to remember long speeches. A speech was deemed more impressive if the speaker did not resort to notes, and the skill remains impressive today. Speeches given from memory tend to be spontaneous and lively and have an impact on their audience. However, few people have the confidence to rely on memory alone, and the most effective speakers leave little to chance. Mnemonic techniques can provide a vital, invisible anchor for the points you wish to make. Another important thing is the digital audience, as nowadays there are a lot of digital conferences via Zoom, where it is just like being in front of everyone. Still, you also have to have the techniques to relax and be able to remember your speech.
Preparation and planning
How you prepare and plan your speech depends on the type of content and the occasion. Work-related presentations and speeches tend to follow a simple format – an interesting opening statement, followed by a logical progression of ideas and a brief running up. Knowing the material well and putting it in order is often all that is needed, particularly if you are using slides or computer presentations that act as memory cues for each point.
You may be more alarmed at the prospect of speaking at social occasions, such as weddings or retirement presentations. Social speeches are usually a mix of anecdotes, disconnected points, jokes, and thanks – the kind of mate rial char is hard to remember if you become nervous – and are usually delivered without the aid of visual raps. There is also the added embarrassment factor of facing an audience that knows you well.
Mnemonic techniques can be an invaluable aid in such situations. Begin by thinking about the main points you want to make and then organize them into a coherent and (if possible) entertaining sequence; just by doing this, your speech will begin to assume a useful familiarity. Then, select a system to fix your ideas in memory in the right order. If you are giving a wedding speech, you could use the ‘peg’ system. Or, if you prefer the ‘ method of loci,’ think of a journey you associate with the bride or groom – say the walk to your local pub – then turn keywords from your points into images to place along the route. If you wish to reveal, for example, that the bride likes to cook curries for her new husband and he has never managed to tell her he prefers the local restaurant, you could visualize a plate of vindaloo on the groom’s usual seat at the bar.
Telling jokes
Most of us hear good jokes from time to time but maybe poor at bringing them to mind later on. Try using the peg system to provide yourself with a ready-to-use list, reviewing it occasionally to keep the jokes anchored in memory. If you enjoy telling long ‘shaggy dog’ stories but sometimes find yourself approaching a punch line that has become meaningless because you have forgotten to include a vital detail, try using the method of loci. For example, you could incorporate and visualize each stage of the joke inside a different room of your house.
Finally, memory methods are useful, but there is no shame in writing down points as a backup. If you have memorized your material effectively, the paper is unlikely to leave your pocket.
