Public Speaking Tips: When You Freeze




Imagine this:  You’re on stage about to start your speech and suddenly, your mind just became a void of emptiness.  You can’t for the life of you remember what you were going to say or for that matter, what your speech is about.

Sounds familiar?

Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us, even seasoned professional.  We’re all human, after all.  The nerves, stage fright and the pressure to perform well are the biggest contributors to speakers getting thrown off track all of a sudden.

But fear not, we’re here to help =)

Here are some things that you can do to prevent that brain freeze.

1) Organize Your Speech in Point Form

When you flesh out your speech, get your points together first.  What are the things that you want to convey to your audience?  Then pick out the most important ones depending on the length of your speech.  Looking at your speech as points instead of a collection of about a thousand words will make it easier for you to remember.

2) Learn your Speech in Blocks

You are not performing an epic production of Hamlet.  You don’t have to memorize your speech word for word.  It will be easier for you to learn your speech in blocks then putting them together.  Start from the point form above and then expanding on the points.  It is also easier for your brain to retain smaller chunks rather than an entire speech and less intimidating as well.

3) The Ever Handy Cue Cards

Notes written on these little inconspicuous cards will come in handy for your reference.  Just make sure you have them arranged in order so that you don’t end up with a jumble.  If all else fails, there’s always your palm =)

4) Master the Art of Free Styling

Again, we have to emphasize that you are not doing a Shakespeare production.  There is absolutely no need to memorize everything word for word.  If you happen to make a mistake, free style it and try to go back to your original structure.  Nobody will know.

Most important of all, relax.  You will find that your brain is more efficient at retrieving your memories when you’re relaxed than when you’re tense.

If you would like to learn effective communication skills as well as learn leadership skills that you can put in practice immediately, join us for our bi-monthly meetings on every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month.  Please refer to our Next Meeting page for information on our next meeting or contact us directly to see how we can help you achieve your goals.

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