Memory

Memory: The Fourth Canon

The canon of memory has two applications:

One is that the speaker needs to memorize what he/she plans to speak about.

The second is that the audience should remember the speaker's message.

Ethos, pathos and even logos are enhanced when speakers have memorized what they will be saying in their speech.

Speakers are more credible and engaging when they look directly at the audience and appear knowledgeable about their topic.

They are able to build the emotional content of the speech and engage the audience when they are not constantly looking down at notes or focusing on remembering what comes next in their speech.

Speakers are more engaging and believable when they appear to be speaking from the heart and not stuck behind a lectern or never looking directly at the audience because they are reading from their notes.

In the following video Joshua Foer who was the 2006 U.S.A. Memory Champion gives a talk about memory and discusses the best techniques for memorizing information.

How to 'memorize' your extemporaneous speech

Memorizing an extemporaneous speech may sound like a contradiction because an extemporaneous speech is not memorized word for word. This is important to remember.

Do NOT memorize your speech word for word.

For an extemporaneous speech, the speaker needs to be very familiar with the points he/she plans to make and the evidence that supports these points.

This speaker suggests the same process as Joshua Foer which goes back to ancient Greece.

The best way to become familiar with the speech (memorize your main points) is to practice the speech aloud many times until you know what you plan to say. I recommend a progression of practice situations:

  1. Start by reading the main points ALOUD so you have heard what you plan to say.
  2. Stand in front of a mirror and try to deliver the speech while you watch your reflection. This will allow you to see yourself looking down at your notes and help you to rely less on the notes and look up more. The more times you practice this the more you will be able to look at your refection and the less you will need to rely on the notes.
  3. Practice your speech in front of your friends or family or another practice audience when you feel you have mastered the main points. Ask them for feedback on the points you make in the speech, the evidence you are using, and your delivery techniques.
  4. If it is feasible, practice your speech aloud in the location where you will be presenting it. Sometimes you can do this if you arrive early for the event or if you have access to the location prior to the event. If you are not able to practice in the exact location where you will be delivering your speech look for a similar location. For example, if your speech will be delivered in a classroom you may want to practice in a different classroom if you cannot get access to the room you will be speaking in.

For an extemporaneous speech do not write out notes word for word. Instead use key words and phrases to jog your memory when needed.

The objective of memorization is so that your speech sounds natural and flows comfortably.

It is not uncommon for us to speak from memory even in conversations with our friends.

Because you tell this same story many times you know the main points of the story and become better at telling the story as you become more confident about how you will tell it.

You naturally emphasize certain aspects of the story by using pause, raising or lowering your voice, altering your vocal tone, and expressing the excitement you feel about the event.

You are striving for that same natural expression for your extemporaneous speech.

How to speak so the audience will remember what you say

If the audience forgets your message before they even leave the event or soon thereafter, then you have not been successful.

You want to make a lasting impact on the audience!

I have heard speeches over the course of my lifetime which I have never forgotten.

I remember a speech presented in my Public Speaking class back in 1972 about lemons.

I remember other speeches I heard when I was in college including one promoting legislation for handicapped access and a humorous speech entitled "Shortcuts to the Sheepskin."

The legislation was eventually passed.

I remember one semester when I had students in each of my classes present speeches on wearing seat belts when riding in a car.

After hearing those speeches, I have always been conscious of wearing my seat belt and don't start the engine until I am buckled in.

I remember speeches that my students have presented in tribute to members of their family who have passed away or heroes they know in real life.

Do not think for one moment that you cannot make an impact on your audience with your speech. In fact, you have the opportunity to change the world with the speeches you make in public speaking class.

The most effective way to change the audience is to speak about something you feel strongly about and speak from your heart!

The audience will be moved by what you say and remember it for a long time.