Know your Material

Few things can overcome the fear of public speaking like knowing your material. This doesn’t necessarily mean knowing your speech ‘by heart’or actual speech memorization, although that can help. More so, knowing your material means attaining a certain level of comfort with the topic, to the extent that, if nerves suddenly got the better of you, or an unexpected distraction made you lose your focus, you could comfortably discuss the subject until you found your way back to the right spot in your presentation.

The science of memory suggests retaining a large volume of material, such as a speech long enough to recall accurately in the future, requires using as many areas of the brain as possible. This means that memorization techniques for speeches should include practices that focus on visual perception, auditory processing, emotional connections, and kinesthetic constructs. Through activities that key into several areas of the brain, individuals can rapidly assimilate information that needs to be retained.
 
One of the best memorization techniques for speeches is the act of writing. After the speech has been written, framing the major points on note cards can aid in the retention of the material. One old teacher suggests that information feeds from the hand, right up the arm, and into the brain. While this is certainly simplistic, science does show that writing helps to carve pathways for important information into the brain.
 
Once the speech has been written several times, it is wise to begin reading it aloud. The auditory memorization techniques for speeches should begin once the writing has been completely polished. Speakers should read the speech aloud in front of a mirror several times. Then, they should have someone take turns reading the speech with them so that they hear it read several times. Breaking the speech down into parts is also a trick which seems to make it easier for the brain to tackle.
 
When the reading of the speech is perfected, the next step involves reading the speech into a recording device. This serves two purposes. It is an easy way to repetitively hear the material, but it also makes the words portable so they can be heard as the speaker is driving, washing dishes, or completing other daily routines. Just as we easily memorize songs on the radio by hearing them repeated in the background while our brain is involved in other activities, we can memorize a speech in the same easy manner.
 
Of all the memorization techniques for speeches, videotaping one’s efforts may be the most valuable. This process not only allows one to critique his or her facial expressions and movements during the speech, but it also forges emotional associations which lead to easy recall. This is the reason people can easily quote lines from old films; in their mind’s eye, they are able to see the actor’s expressions as he says the lines, which makes them easier to remember.
 
Once a speaker becomes aware of his or her learning style, a particular one of these memorization techniques for speeches may become the most valuable tool, and the others may just be used periodically. Until a speaker gains confidence in his or her abilities, however, it is wise to run through the whole gamut of memorization tips. Even the most practiced speaker often finds that an audience can cause a little trepidation, so the material needs to be so ingrained in the mind that fear does not cause it to disappear at the last moment.

Ensure a proper footing:
Finally, one of the best tips around for overcoming speech anxiety is this: Prepare in excess for the first ten seconds by taking two steps:
- When you reach the podium, pause for three seconds

- Memorize your first sentence.

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