6 steps to create a speech you will know without memorizing:
1) Jot down the basic outline of your presentation on index cards, one per idea or topic.
2) Compose your speech out loud. Don’t write it down first. As you find elements that work for you, you can make a (brief) note on an index card.
3) Practice in small chunks. In the shower, in the car, while you’re waiting in line.
4) Whenever you’re worried or anxious about the presentation, stop what you’re doing and practice. Out loud. Even five minutes makes a difference.
5) Spend some focused time crafting your introduction, transitions, and closing.
6) Rehearse out of order. Decide, “right now I’m only focusing on the third point,” and get that one down. Then jump to the introduction, or the first point. This will give you facility within your content.
These six steps allow you to create your speech organically, using words and sentence structure that come naturally to you. By practicing out loud and capturing what works, you become deeply familiar and comfortable with the content, without having to memorize it word for word.
Ultimately, this process lets you be present with the audience, which is the best indicator of a good experience for everyone involved.
