How to Memorize a Speech in One Night

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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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Memorizing Through Repetition

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  1. Simply take a piece of paper and a pen and write out the entire speech. If the speech is relatively short, consider writing it out multiple times. Many people memorize information better when they are actively recording it. Copying the speech on another piece of paper can help to commit that information to memory. [1]
  2. Much like writing the speech out on paper, typing the speech can also help commit the information to memory through visual learning. Since typing is generally faster than handwriting, you may have more time to type the speech several times in one night.
    • 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]
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  3. Sometimes you may think that you know your speech well, but you freeze up when you perform it in front of people. It is important to practice the speech in front of someone to ensure that you really know the information. Request that your friend give you some tips. They may be able to tell you if you are not speaking loud enough or if you are talking too quickly. [3]
  4. If you don’t have anyone to practice with, try recording yourself while you rehearse your speech. Video recording is the best because you will be able to watch the recording and critique your speech and body language. You can also listen to the recording while you are doing other things to help remember the information. [4]
  5. Normally, it is not necessary to recite a speech word for word. It is more important to remember all of the topics that you need to cover during the speech. Spend time memorizing the bullet points, important facts and statistics, and the layout of your speech in order to guarantee that you cover all of the information that needs to be covered. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using the Memory Palace Technique

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  1. Divide the speech into several bullet points. Each bullet point should be about a different topic. Write these bullet points down on a piece of paper or note cards. [6]
  2. Count the bullet points and locate the same number of pieces of furniture in your home, office, or wherever you are memorizing your speech. For example, if you have ten bullet points you will need to pinpoint ten separate pieces of furniture.
  3. Once you have determined the furniture that you will use for the memory palace, visualize an object that relates to each bullet point. [7]
    • For example, if the bullet refers to finances you may visualize dollar bills.
    • If the bullet is discussing fashion you may visualize a shirt.
  4. Assign a piece of furniture with each bullet point and object. Then visualize the object with the piece of furniture.
    • 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.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preparing for Success

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  1. Although it might seem tempting to stay up all night to prepare for your speech, it probably won’t help you. A lack of sleep increases your stress levels and decreases your ability to focus. Be sure that you get at least eight hours of sleep the night before your speech. [8]
  2. It is important to remember to take care of your body even when you are cramming for a presentation. Take some time to take a quick walk. Don’t forget to eat meals and keep yourself hydrated. These steps are equally important in memorizing your speech. [9]
  3. Make a list of things that scare you about the speech. Then, try to tackle those fears. If eye contact makes you lose focus, try looking just above your audience’s head. Try giving your speech behind a podium or while holding a microphone to keep your hands busy. Use deep breathing exercises to keep yourself calm before your speech. [10]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I memorize something overnight?
    Patrick Muñoz
    Speech Coach
    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.
    Patrick Muñoz
    Speech Coach
    Expert Answer
    To memorize a speech, map out the major points you want to make, then practice your speech. You could practice in front of a mirror or record yourself and watch it back, but to get the experience of delivering your speech to an audience, it's a good idea to rehearse your speech in front of a friend.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 24
  • Question
    What should you do if you stutter?
    Community Answer
    Pause if you need to, and repeat the sentence or from wherever feels comfortable. Don't make weird noises with your mouth, raise your eyebrows or give any other indication you have stuffed up. If you don't react, neither will your audience.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 92 Helpful 604
  • Question
    What if it's worth a lot of points and I'm super nervous?
    Community Answer
    Just remember, if you trip up, you trip up. If you act confident and cool about it, no one will know you're nervous. Its all up to you. Take it one step at a time. Take it line by line. Dig deeper into the character, or yourself, for a speech, to find the next line and it will come naturally.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • 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.
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      References

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

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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!

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