Q

I am sometimes called upon to deliver speeches on behalf of the company but lack the ability or confidence to do so without resorting to copious notes. How I envy those people who are able to speak seemingly ‘off the cuff’ without the crutch that I am required to use. Have you any advice that would help one who must speak with the aid of notes? 

A

You’re a very lucky person if you can deliver a speech without any notes to jog your memory. For the majority of speakers, however, short notes are an essential requirement for any presentation, and here are four important points to remember in that regard:

1. Keep your notes to a minimum.

If your notes are in essay form, you will always be tempted to read them to the audience. To prevent this, you should compose a delivery outline, using only key words. In this way, you relieve anxiety over the possibility of forgetting what you were going to say but at the same time force yourself to interact meaningfully with your listeners.

2. Be familiar with your notes.

You should rehearse your speech at least twice using the actual notes you will be taking to the speaker’s stand on the day.

3. Use your notes openly, but subtly.

Don’t try to hide your notes from the audience. On the other hand, don’t wave them around, or steal sly glances at them. Use them openly, honestly, and with casual dignity.

4. Don’t let your notes prevent you from speaking directly to your audience.

If you must refer to your notes, pause while you refer to your next point, then resume eye contact with your listeners. Top speakers do not read from their notes; they take their cues from them.

5. And if you must use full notes…

If you feel that you are unable to get through your speech without the aid of full written notes, make sure you set your notes up so that they’re easy to read. Use 14-point type or larger, so you don’t have to strain to see the words; double-space within paragraphs, triple space between them. Also, most people make the mistake of having only one column. This forces your eye to stay down on the page for too long. Format the speech in two short columns, so your eyes can quickly scan the shorter sentences. And, importantly, never staple your presentation! It prevents you from being able to slide sheets quietly off to the side of the lectern after you’re finished with them.

  You might also like to consult our e-Topics –

How to prepare your next speech

How to rehearse for your next speech

How to deliver a memorable speech

How to make an impromptu speech

Or our e-Book

Speechmaking