how to memorize a speech in 10 minutes

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How to Memorize a Speech in One Night

Last Updated: October 7, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 55 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,257,944 times.

Memorizing a speech in one night is not an easy task, but it's possible. There are hundreds of different memorization techniques out there, but the best method is the basic, tried-and-true strategy of repetition and practice . If you're looking for something a little more fun, you can try the memory palace approach - it will help you visualize the key components of your speech and help you commit the whole thing to memory in just one night.

Memorizing Through Repetition

• There is no need to print the typed speech each time that you type it.
• However, you may be more likely to remember things that are handwritten rather than typed. [2] X Research source

Using the Memory Palace Technique

• For example, if the bullet refers to finances you may visualize dollar bills.
• If the bullet is discussing fashion you may visualize a shirt.

• For example, you may discuss fashion by visualizing a row of shirts in the wardrobe.
• When talking about finances you may visualize dollar bills coming out of the oven.

Preparing for Success

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Don’t worry about memorizing the speech word for word. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 4
• Read it in front of a mirror. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
• Remember to rehearse your body language as well as your speech. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3

Tips from our Readers

• Try not to wait until the last day. Practice every day for about 30 minutes, and try to do it in front of other people so you feel more confident when you're giving your actual speech.
• Stand in front of a mirror and recite your speech one paragraph at a time. Remember to make eye contact in the mirror to help you build more confidence.
• If you're allowed to have them, write keywords from your speech on flashcards to help trigger your memory with what comes next.
• Whenever you have free time, try to recite the speech out loud to yourself so you can practice a bit more.

• Work on separate parts, and then slowly put it together. Thanks Helpful 35 Not Helpful 3
• Memorizing a speech in one night can be difficult. If you have time, try to spread the work out over several nights. Thanks Helpful 69 Not Helpful 26

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/enhancing-your-memory/
• ↑ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/taking-notes-by-hand-could-improve-memory-wt/
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/02/dont-just-memorize-your-next-presentation-know-it-cold
• ↑ https://www.gvsu.edu/ours/oral-presentation-tips-30.htm
• ↑ https://crln.acrl.org/index.php/crlnews/article/view/19102/22119
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/visual-aids
• ↑ http://campusmindworks.org/students/self_care/sleep.asp
• ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210729122037.htm
• ↑ https://counseling.uiowa.edu/self-help/30-ways-to-manage-speaking-anxiety/

About This Article

If you only have one night to memorize a speech, start by typing out the speech or writing it on a new sheet of paper to help commit it to your memory. Rather than memorizing the entire speech word for word, focus on remembering the bullet points and any important facts or statistics. When you feel comfortable with the material, try rehearsing in front of a friend or family member, or record yourself and watch the video to see where you can make improvements. For tips on remembering your speech with the memory palace technique, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Memorize a Speech in No Time

Why Memorizing a Speech Rocks

When you nail down your speech by heart, you unlock some serious perks that can take your delivery from meh to wow.

Boosting Your Street Cred

Knowing your speech inside out lets you glide from one point to the next like a pro, showing off your expertise and confidence. This kind of mastery makes you look super prepared and polished, which earns you major respect from your audience. Think of it like this: if you know your lines cold, you can focus on how you say them, making your delivery smooth and professional. A well-memorized speech screams, “I’ve got this,” and that vibe is contagious.

Getting Cozy with Your Audience

When you’ve got your speech down pat, you can ditch the notes and really connect with your audience. This makes your delivery more lively and interactive, helping you bond with your listeners. No more staring at your notes; instead, you can make eye contact and use natural gestures, making your message hit home.

Plus, memorizing your speech gives you the freedom to tweak it on the fly based on how your audience is reacting. This means you can keep them hooked and respond to their vibes in real-time.

Memorizing your speech isn’t just about cramming words into your brain; it’s about owning your content so you can deliver it with swagger and impact. By doing this, you not only boost your credibility but also create a deeper connection with your audience.

Time Frame for Memorization

Memorizing a speech can feel like a Herculean task, but the time you set aside for it can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with a long or short speech, figuring out the right amount of time to memorize it is key.

Long vs. Short Speeches

The length of your speech is a big factor in how much time you need. For longer speeches, give yourself at least four to six weeks. This gives you enough time to break it down into chunks, practice, and nail the delivery.

Shorter speeches? You can get away with two to three weeks. Focus on the main points and use bullet points or an outline instead of writing out every single word. This method speeds up memorization and gives you more flexibility when speaking.

Optimal Memorization Period

How long should you spend memorizing? It depends on the speech’s complexity, how well you know the topic, and how much time you can practice each day. Here’s a handy guide:

Breaking your speech into smaller parts makes it easier to memorize. Focus on one section at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to improve retention.

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you memorize:

• Write it out : Start by writing your speech .
• Rehearse with a script or outline : Practice reading it out loud.
• Memorize in chunks : Start with the big ideas and work your way down to the details.
• Practice delivery : Focus on timing and intonation to make your speech engaging.

By following these steps and giving yourself enough time based on your speech’s length and complexity, you’ll be able to memorize and deliver your speech confidently.

Using Sleep to Boost Memory

Review before hitting the sack.

Want to nail that speech? Try going over it right before you crash for the night. Studies show that sleep helps your brain lock in new info ( Thesaurus ). So, by giving your speech a quick once-over before bed, you’re setting your brain up to remember it better while you snooze.

The Power of Good Sleep

Getting good sleep is like hitting the jackpot for your brain, especially when you need to memorize something fast. A full night of rest before your big day keeps your mind sharp and ready to focus ( VirtualSpeech ). Skimping on sleep? Bad idea. It can mess with your memory and focus, making it harder to remember your speech.

So, if you want to remember your speech like a pro, make sure to review it before bed and get a good night’s sleep. These simple steps can make a huge difference in how well you memorize and deliver your speech.

Boost Your Speech Memory with Movement

Want to nail that speech? Try adding some physical movements to your practice. It’s like giving your brain a cheat code to remember better and deliver smoother.

Make It Stick with Movements

Pairing specific actions with parts of your speech can lock it into your memory and make your delivery feel more natural. When you combine movement with what you’re saying, you engage more of your brain, making it easier to remember and recall.

Keep It Real with Natural Delivery

Using movements can also make you look more relaxed and engaging. Here’s how to keep it smooth:

• Hand Gestures : Match your hand movements to your words. Talking about growth? Move your hand upward to show it.
• Purposeful Walking : Break your speech into sections and move to a new spot for each one. It helps you remember the flow and keeps the audience interested.
• Facial Expressions : Let your face show what you’re feeling. It helps you remember and connects you with your audience.

Mix these tricks together, and you’ll have a speech that’s not just memorable for you, but also captivating for your listeners.

Regular Testing for Memorization

Testing yourself often is key to nailing your speech fast. It helps you spot weak spots and reinforces what you’ve already got down.

Sectional Memorization

Breaking your speech into bite-sized chunks makes it easier to handle. Focus on one piece at a time, and you’ll reduce the mental strain. Mastering each part builds your confidence and ensures you know your stuff.

Steps for Sectional Memorization:

• Divide Your Speech:  Chop your speech into logical bits or paragraphs.
• Focus on One Section:  Zero in on memorizing one chunk at a time.
• Recite and Repeat:  Say the section out loud a bunch of times until it sticks.
• Move to the Next Section:  Once you’ve nailed the first bit, move on to the next.

Full Speech Recitation

Once you’ve got each part down, it’s time to tackle the whole thing. This practice ensures your speech flows smoothly and is easy to deliver.

Steps for Full Speech Recitation:

• Combine Sections:  Start by linking two sections and reciting them together.
• Gradually Add More Sections:  Keep adding sections until you can recite the whole speech.
• Practice the Entire Speech:  When you’re confident with the combined parts, practice the entire speech without peeking at your notes.

Benefits of Full Speech Recitation:

• Enhances Flow:  Makes sure the transition between parts is seamless.
• Boosts Confidence:  Builds your confidence in delivering the whole speech.
• Identifies Weak Points:  Helps you spot any parts that need more work.

Example Schedule for Speech Memorization:

By sticking to these steps and regularly testing your progress, you’ll memorize your speech efficiently and deliver it with confidence. Consistent practice and repetition are the secret sauce to mastering your speech quickly.

Mnemonic Devices for Speech Memorization

Mnemonic devices are like cheat codes for your brain, making it a breeze to remember your speech. They work by tapping into how our minds naturally store info, making it easier to recall big chunks of data. Let’s dive into two handy techniques: acronyms and acrostics, and the association technique.

Acronyms and Acrostics

Acronyms and acrostics are your go-to tools for memorizing key points in your speech.

• Acronyms : Create a new word using the first letters of each key point. For example, if your speech is about the perks of exercise, you might use the acronym  “FISE”  for Flexibility, Immunity, Strength, and Endurance.
• Acrostics : Make a sentence where each word starts with the same letter as your key points. For instance, to remember Flexibility, Immunity, Strength, and Endurance, you could use:  “Feel Invigorated, Stay Energized.”

These tricks give you a structured way to recall the main ideas of your speech, helping you deliver your message smoothly and confidently.

Association Technique

The association technique is all about linking new info to something you already know, making it stick in your memory. Here’s how you can use this for speech memorization:

• Identify Key Points : Break down your speech into main points.
• Create Associations : Link each key point to a familiar concept, image, or person. For example, if one of your points is about “teamwork,” think of a memorable team project you worked on.
• New Information : “Teamwork is essential for success.”
• Association : Picture a memorable team project you completed, visualizing the teamwork involved.

This technique works wonders even with more complex info. For example, to remember a co-worker named “John,” link it to a family member named John.

By using mnemonic devices like acronyms, acrostics, and the association technique, you can boost your ability to memorize and recall your speech quickly and effectively. These methods make the memorization process more fun and manageable, helping you deliver your speech with confidence.

Chunking for Quick Speech Memorization

Chunking is like a cheat code for your brain. It helps you remember stuff faster by breaking it down into bite-sized pieces. Think of it as turning a big, scary monster into a bunch of cute, manageable puppies.

Breaking It Down

When you need to memorize a speech, don’t try to swallow it whole. Break it into smaller bits. This way, you can focus on one piece at a time without feeling like your brain’s about to explode.

Steps to chunk your speech:

• Find the Big Parts : Split your speech into main sections.
• Cut It Down More : Take each main section and break it into smaller bits.
• Group It Up : Put related points together to make chunks that make sense.

Making It Stick

Chunking doesn’t just make memorizing easier; it also helps you remember better. By organizing info into neat little groups, you create a mental map that’s easier to follow.

Tips to make chunking work for you:

• Start Big : Memorize the big chunks first, like the main points.
• Go Smaller : Once you’ve got the big chunks down, break them into smaller pieces, like sentences or phrases.
• Repeat, Repeat, Repeat : Go over each chunk again and again to lock it in.
• Use a Hierarchy : Memorize in layers, starting with the big ideas and then moving to the details.

By chunking your speech, you’ll be able to memorize it faster and deliver it like a pro.

Practice Techniques for Quick Memorization

Nailing a speech from memory isn’t just about cramming—it’s about smart practice. Moving from a written outline to reciting from memory and practicing in front of others are key steps in this process.

From Outline to Memory

Starting with a written outline is your first step. Think of it as your cheat sheet, guiding you through the main points and structure. Read it over a few times to get the gist of it.

Then, break it down. Recite small chunks of the speech until you’ve got them down pat before moving on. This “chunking” method makes the task less daunting and more manageable ( Learning Leaders ).

Practice in Front of Others

Practicing in front of others is a game-changer. It helps you get comfy with delivering the speech and gives you feedback. Start with a mirror to check out your body language and facial expressions. This self-check can help you tweak your delivery.

Once you’re feeling good, practice in front of friends, family, or colleagues. Their feedback will show you where to improve and boost your confidence. Practicing in front of others also gets you used to having an audience ( VirtualSpeech ).

By moving from a written outline to memory and practicing in front of others, you can memorize your speech quickly and effectively. These techniques, along with consistent practice and feedback, will help you deliver a confident, well-memorized speech.

Rest and Hydration for Memorization

When you’re trying to memorize a speech quickly, getting enough rest and staying hydrated are game-changers. A well-rested and properly hydrated mind can make a world of difference in how well you remember and deliver your speech.

Why Rest Matters

Getting enough sleep isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about giving your brain the chance to do its thing. When you’re well-rested, your brain can focus better and lock in the information you need to remember. According to  VirtualSpeech , sleep helps your brain consolidate information, making it easier to remember your speech.

The Power of Hydration

Drinking enough water is just as important as getting enough sleep. When you’re hydrated, your brain works at its best, which is crucial for memorizing and recalling information ( Scott H Young ). Dehydration can mess with your focus and memory.

By making sure you get enough sleep and drink enough water, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. A well-rested and hydrated brain is ready to learn and recall your speech, so you can deliver it with confidence and ease.

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4 Best Tips on How to Memorize a Speech Quickly

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Public speaking can be extremely stressful, especially if it’s your first time or you have stage fright. In fact, 30% of Americans report they are afraid of public speaking. So how can we mask fear with confidence while delivering a speech?

I’ll show you some effective tips on memorizing a speech and the steps that will help you prepare.

How Long Does It Take to Memorize a Speech?

There is no exact time it takes to memorize a speech. I don’t even recommend memorizing a speech word by word because it leads to a monotonous delivery. All you have to do is get the flow and ideas in your head and refine the terms.

The duration of your memorization process depends on several factors, including the length of the entire speech and your memorization skills. It also depends on how you practice verbal enhancement.

Excellent speakers perform delivery of speeches anywhere between 1 and 18 minutes. For instance, an impromptu speech or short story might only take 2-5 minutes, which is easier to memorize than a TED talk with broad content.

A powerful speaker can memorize a 5-minute speech in under a minute if they don’t have to deliver the exact words. But if the speech takes longer, the speaker should list the sub-topics and practice it every day for 10-15 minutes.

If you need to memorize it within the day, give yourself two to three hours. Make sure this practice time includes rests in between so you don’t get burned out once it’s time to do the actual public speaking.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

How Long Should a Speech Be?

A superb performance does not necessarily depend on the length of the speech. The best way to know how long your piece should be is to ask the event organizer. If you were invited to deliver a speech, this duration should already be part of the invitation.

Extemporaneous speeches, which we don’t memorize or read from manuscripts, should take around 5-8 minutes or 600-1000 words. This type of speech is usually used to deliver a compelling story, discussion on business, or educational preaching.

A complete speech with a manuscript takes about 10-15 minutes. You can also give a 20-minute speech when necessary. These speeches are pre-planned and require several practices.

If you want to give a TED talk, the average time for a speech is 18 minutes. This platform for public speaking has been very successful because of the limits they set for their presenters.

Benefits of Being a Good Public Speaker

Public speaking skills are more than just a confidence booster. Let’s discuss the different advantages of learning how to deliver an exceptional speech.

Public Speaking Shows Your Expertise

Being an excellent public speaker is an attention-getter to your career network. You’ll stand out in the workforce since not all your coworkers want to be in the spotlight.

This marketable skill might attract potential employers with better career opportunities to offer. You will be more comfortable in interviews, sway more people in your favor, and convince them to give you a promotion.

Professional speakers also make business speakers in sales. You can reach higher sales goals when you know how to convince other people about your product or service.

You might also show your expertise in leadership because people will start approaching you for your ideas. They will consult on problems and make you a more reliable person.

You Can Develop Your Courage

Aside from better careers, self-confidence is a life-changing characteristic you will acquire once you start public speaking. Even if you make typical mistakes your first time, you’ll quickly get over them and be motivated to create a more awesome speech in the future.

That’s because public speaking develops your communication skills and counters your negative self-talk. This freeing activity allows you to express yourself and feel like everyone is listening.

Public speaking enhances your social interaction skills because you learn how to present your perspectives logically and coherently. You won’t be afraid to share your ideas in round-table discussions and intimate conversations.

It Helps Build Relationships and Connections

A successful speech is an excellent way to meet people with the same interests as you. For instance, if you deliver a business speech, you’ll find that entrepreneurs will approach you to share their own ideas or maybe ask for advice.

Try mingling with your audience after the speech to seek new perspectives on the topic and clarify any misunderstandings they had. Consider giving them your number or email for new opportunities.

Don’t be afraid to speak with other presenters and congratulate them on their speeches. There are several networking opportunities you don’t want to miss in the public speaking sphere.

Develops Critical Thinking Skills

Preparing for a speech goes beyond rote learning and memorization techniques. It also enhances your critical thinking skills because it helps you analyze your thought process and ensure you follow the correct structure of a speech.

If you’ve tried giving an engaging performance a couple of times, you already have a mental image of your ideas and their sequence. But if you’re a beginner, you can practice with professionals to help you make well-reasoned opinions.

The Step-by-Step Process to Memorize a Speech

Good speakers do not rely on memorizing a speech by heart. But there are a couple of steps you need to undergo when remembering a speech.

Prepare Yourself

The first thing you should do when memorizing a speech is to be ready. That means being in the right headspace to write and remember everything. Be prepared to undergo a 3-step process of writing, memorizing the big parts, and memorizing the small details.

The actual process includes making a detailed outline, producing cue cards, and researching your audience. It would help if you had an idea about their interests and attention span, so you’ll know the content and length of your speech.

This step is also an excellent time to motivate yourself. Think of the career prospects you’ll get and the social network you’ll build after delivering this speech. Imagine the confidence, leadership, and critical thinking skills you’ll gain after it.

You also want to try relaxation techniques if you have stage fright. This strategy helps if you are not used to speaking in front of a crowd or if you have too many expectations from yourself.

Rehearse the Speech With Your Script/Outline

Once you’re relaxed and ready, performing content mapping is the next step to effectively memorizing a speech. This method lets you structure everything you want to say so that you don’t include additional content that will ruin the piece’s flow.

You can also do mind mapping by providing structure in space to fill your memory. Another strategy to try is reading some books to widen your knowledge about a specific topic.

Understanding the outline is an easy way to get everything in your head. Memorize each sub-topic so you’ll know your cues and appear more casual or spontaneous.

Effective speeches take lots of practice. Pretend you’re speaking in front of the audience to make memorization fun. Check how it sounds as a speech before actually memorizing it.

It also helps to edit the speech for every round of reading continuously. Make sure it’s free from technical and flow errors. It should sound more natural, logical, and interesting. This process is relatively easy if you’ve given speeches before.

Read It With Others

Reading your speech aloud with a few close friends or family will save you lots of time editing and proofreading the original outline. Ask your audience to sit as you stand on stage and deliver the speech.

This step is also an excellent opportunity to study your body language. Check if your posture needs improvement or if you are not making enough eye contact.

Memorize, Big to Small

Memorizing from big to small means starting with the core content or key pieces and then the supporting details. This hierarchical process reduces verbatim memorization because it focuses more on the structure for correct delivery.

If you are an expert speaker, you don’t have to bring the entire manuscript. You might want to get a piece of paper with a bullet point list of the “big ideas.”

Remember that starting with the bigger details is better because most of your audience won’t even know the small details. This is a memory technique that is especially important in a sales presentation.

Memorizing from big to small also lets you gain maximum practice in your overall speech. Focus on the best parts first, then try to be more specific as you master each element.

Move to the Small Points

After the broader structure, it’s time to practice the tiny points of your presentations. These small points are not necessarily the exact sentences and words but the supporting details.

For example, if a big part of your speech talks about helping the community, you might speak about sub-topics such as volunteering, donating, and fundraising. In other words, you want to expand your bullets into big chunks to represent better ideas.

This third step can be more challenging than the second one. Try memorizing the small points by quizzing yourself and practicing the speech. Ask yourself, “What are the sub-topics for helping the community?”

Memorize the Delivery

Once you’re done with the chunking method, it’s time for the most elaborate process. As you already know, rote memorization is not the best way to remember your speech because it makes your delivery robotic.

If you’re confident enough, you can simply go out and deliver your presentation without note cards or any kind of memory aid. But feel free to bring a small piece of paper with you so you’ll have a guide.

If you’re delivering a speech at a conference, you might want to create PowerPoint slides. There are many compelling presentation templates for different applications. Prepare them in advance to practice the memorization of your delivery.

Rehearse the speech from top to bottom a couple of times. You should also continue editing your work until this point. For example, you might notice a grammar error or overuse of a word.

Deliver the Speech

Once you’ve done the chunk method and cue cards, it’s time to deliver the speech. Focus on the bigger chunks and ideas instead of the words and exact sentences.

Focusing on the bigger chunks will make your content more flexible and natural. If someone interrupts your speech or you forget a word, remember to return to your main point. It will help you get back to a logical path instead of just moving on to the next idea.

Tips on How to Memorize a Speech Quickly

Here are some excellent speech memorization techniques that might speed up the entire process.

Create an Outline

Creating an outline prevents you from memorizing a speech verbatim. Start with a central image that will guide your speech, also known as the thesis statement. Then, preview your main points and supporting details.

For example, your speech on opening a business might start with discussing market research and then fixing legal documents. Then, it’s time to discuss how to launch your company.

Once you’ve built the body of your speech, go back to the start and craft an introduction that will grab the audience’s attention. If you’re unsure what will work, practice it in front of your friends of similar age and interests.

Establish a conclusion, leaving your audience with something to remember. The last step is to piece everything together by using transitional devices.

Use the Memory Palace Technique

The best way to memorize a speech is using the Mind Palace Technique. This strategy might be familiar to you because the fictional character Sherlock Holmes used it. The tip is to attach the bullet points or mental images in your speech to any piece of furniture.

For example, the couch would be idea 1, and then your dining table would be idea 2. Idea 3 would be your main lamp, and so forth. Now walk through your home, stop at each furniture piece, and think of the mental image attached.

Try to keep the mental image as visual as possible. This will make you more effective because specific objects trigger your memory.

Repeat the Memory Palace Technique, then practice mentally touring your room. Imagine stopping at every room or furniture piece and recalling the idea in your head.

Use the 20-20-20 Rule

Another proven way to deliver your speech is using the 20-20-20 rule when rehearsing. That means reviewing your manuscript for 20 minutes. Then, repeat it twice for another 20 minutes each.

This repetitive strategy will help you remember the content better. Focus on the bigger chunks so that you can maximize your 20-minute limit. But another rule is to repeat the speech within 30 minutes. Otherwise, it will not be encoded in your long-term memory.

Get Enough Rest

I know how tempting it is to stay up all night to memorize a speech. But it’s not an excellent idea because it will slow down your brain. Lack of sleep increases the production of stress-related hormones and decreases concentration.

Aside from getting eight hours of sleep, it helps to take a break while practicing. Take a quick walk, eat dinner, and stay hydrated. Try meditating or using simple breathing exercises to calm yourself before the speech.

Common Mistakes of Memorizing a Speech

You don’t need to be an expert public speaker to deliver a good speech. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when memorizing a speech.

Not Listening to Yourself Practice

This is a classic mistake every beginner makes. No matter how much you cringe at a voice recording of yourself, it’s essential to listen to yourself practice.

You might not notice that you’re saying “um” or “you know” too much. Listening to yourself practice also helps you fix tongue-twisting phrases and words.

Complete Memorization

One complaint about memorization is that you won’t feel connected to your audience. Your responsibility is to speak with them or even appeal to their emotions. And if you treat your audience like air or ghosts, you will not be able to achieve your goals.

Complete memorization might also lead you to speak too fast. Control your speed so that your audience understands what you’re saying.

Keep Practicing

Don’t let your fear of being criticized hinder you from becoming a remarkable public speaker. With enough practice, you can deliver the most inspiring and convincing speech.

Remember to outline your speech, read it to a few trusted friends, and use different memory techniques. Make sure to get enough rest before the big day, too!

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How To Memorize A Speech: Proven Tips And Tricks

• Why Memorize Speeches?
• How To Memorize Speeches

Preparing for a big speech can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether it’s the commencement speech at your graduation ceremony , a career-making presentation, or the best man speech at a wedding , preparation is the key to getting through your speech without a hiccup. 

But how do you even begin to memorize something as lengthy and detailed as an entire speech? Luckily, there are some tried and true ways to commit your speech to memory before the big day. Here’s why memorizing your speech can make it even better and eight ways to make the memorization process a total breeze.

Why is it important to memorize speeches?

Public speaking is challenging for many people, but it’s much easier when you give yourself the opportunity to plan and prepare. Memorizing your speech allows you to move from point to point without even thinking about it. This not only increases your credibility as a speaker, but it also makes it easier to connect with your audience, since you’ll be at ease instead of struggling to figure out what to say next.

How you go about memorizing your speech is important, too. You don’t want to appear robotic or get tripped up if you’ve memorized a speech perfectly from beginning to end and then happen to forget a word and lose your place. The best way to memorize a speech is to know it front to back, inside and out, and to be able to recall each piece of it, even if it were broken up and jumbled like a jigsaw puzzle. 

Sound like a big task? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back. Here’s how to memorize your speech like a pro.

How to memorize a speech

1. Get organized.

Think of your speech as a script. Decide exactly what points you’d like to make and what you’d like to say ahead of time. Ideally, your speech should have distinct sections that divide the information you’re trying to convey as well as an attention-grabbing introduction and conclusion. Make use of transition words , too, to keep your audience engaged. The more organized your speech is, the easier it will be to memorize and to create cues for yourself in case you get tripped up.

2. Write it down.

Reciting your speech out loud isn’t the only way to memorize it. You can also write it down. The practice of writing helps to encode things in the brain more deeply. Pick one section of your speech and write it word-for-word a few times during the week. The next week, pick a different section and keep the practice going. In no time, you’ll find yourself remembering lines and transitions with more ease than ever.

3. Give yourself enough time.

Memorization doesn’t happen overnight, so don’t wait until the night before or even the week before a big speech to begin the work of memorizing. For longer speeches, give yourself at least four to six weeks to get it down. For shorter speeches, two to three may suffice. Plan which parts of your speech or presentation you’ll work on each week, with the final week spent running through the entire thing from start to finish. Not only will you get the speech down completely, but you’ll also prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed.

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4. Use memory tricks.

Don’t have superhuman memory? That’s OK; most of us don’t. That’s where memory tricks come in. If you need to remember a difficult acronym, specific terms, or just where to transition from one part of your speech to another, come up with a memory device to help remind you in the moment. Here are some ideas to try:

• Make flash cards for each section of your speech.
• Use mnemonics for important terms or to recall the order of information.
• Create a song or rhyme you can refer to in your head if you get stuck.
• If it makes sense with your speech, include images or visuals to trigger your memory.

5. Practice your movements, too.

Coordinating specific movements to make during different parts of your speech can help encode it more deeply in your memory. Plus, it helps you avoid awkwardness during the real-life delivery of your speech. Decide where you’ll stand as well as when and if you’ll move to different areas while you’re talking. If you’ll be behind a podium, figure out which hand gestures make sense and won’t be distracting to your audience. All of this will help you feel more prepared and make the delivery of your speech feel like second nature.

6. Use sleep to your advantage.

Research has shown that sleep helps the human brain process and store information. You can use this as a trick to help you with memorizing your speech. Try reviewing your speech right before you go to bed some nights. The night before the big speech, do one last run-through and then make sure you get a full night’s sleep so that you feel refreshed and that your brain is functioning at its highest capacity.

7. Quiz yourself.

It’s a good idea to test yourself regularly to make sure you’re making progress on memorizing your speech. The easiest way to do this is to memorize each section of your speech separately and then test yourself over that section. As you learn more and more of the speech, you can challenge yourself to recite all of the sections you’ve learned so far. You can even pick random sections to recite out of order to make sure you really have it down. Lastly, ask a friend to read the speech while you recite it so they can catch any missed words or information.

8. Make a plan for mistakes.

Even if you prepare a lot, mistakes and forgetful moments can still happen. Rather than fretting about it, come prepared. Write good notes that you can use to cue yourself with just a glance. Plan to take a sip of water if you need to buy yourself an extra few seconds to remember the next line. Also, brainstorm some phrases you can use to talk yourself through mishaps and keep your audience engaged if you need a second to get back on track. Here are some examples:

• “I’ll refer to my notes here.”
• “Let me take a step back and gather my thoughts.”
• “To summarize what I’ve talked about up to this point, …”
• “Are there any questions about what I’ve covered so far?”

Remember: your audience doesn’t expect perfection. Relax, make eye contact, and trust in the hard work you’ve done to commit your thoughts to memory. You’ve got this!

Public speaking is a craft you can master with tips, tricks, and practice. Learn how!

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