Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Speech Writing
• Part 2 of 2: Rewrite your records
• Tips
• Warnings

Many beginner speakers record their speeches on cards and read them out loud in front of an audience, few people will like it. Others memorize their speeches by heart and do not rely on their notes when speaking; but if something is suddenly forgotten, they are completely confused and cannot continue. The key to making notes for public speaking is between these two extremes: the notes remind the speaker what to mention, but not how they should read their speech.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Speech Writing

1. 1 Write your speech. Create an introduction, well-organized paragraphs, effective transitions, and a catchy ending. Pay attention to the structure of the sentence and the choice of appropriate words.
2. 2 Read your speech aloud and make the necessary adjustments. If you stumble over some words or phrases, replace them with others that are easier to pronounce. Listen to the rhythm and flow of your speech and make the necessary adjustments so that your speech flows smoothly from start to finish.
3. 3 Read the final version out loud. Underline the keywords in each sentence.
4. 4 Try to reproduce your speech from memory. Stop if you don't know what to say next.
5. 5 Look at the words you underline. Try to remember what to say based on the underlined keywords. If your chosen keywords don't help, choose others.

Part 2 of 2: Rewrite your records

1. 1 Rewrite only the keywords on a piece of paper or cards. Your choice of words depends on the situation and your preference.
2. 2 Use a piece of paper (or 2) if you will be speaking in the pulpit. Lay down your sheet of notes and peek at them periodically. This way you will be looking primarily at your audience, which will involve them in the process.
   • There is no need to take more pages with you if there is not enough space in the lectern. Excessive movement and the sound of page turning will annoy your listeners.
   • As you take notes on the worksheet, organize your keywords in the way that works best for you. Maybe you can number them, group them under headings, or underline them with different colors. Write keywords large enough to see them from afar, rather than bending over and sideways to read what is written.
3. 3 Write keywords on flashcards if you will not be speaking in the pulpit. Cards are an opportunity for you to hold something in your hands while performing; This is especially important if you do not know what to do with your hands, but do not feel free enough to use gestures.
   • Use thin cards 10-15 cm. They will be invisible and at the same time, you will have enough space to write keywords in large letters.
   • As you use the flashcards, write the keywords from each paragraph or section onto one card. You can pause briefly to swap the cards, but at this point the audience will prepare for the next part of your talk.
   • Number your cards so you can re-fold them in the correct order if you drop them accidentally.
4. 4 Write down long quotes, complex data, or other information that needs to be reproduced as accurately as possible. When speaking, read exactly what is written. In such situations, the audience will only appreciate your efforts to provide accurate data.
5. 5 Practice your speech using your notes. Since you have not memorized your speech, it will sound different every time, but it will sound more natural than memorized speech.
   • Rehearse your speech using the notes you made. If you've rehearsed a speech based on a synopsis and tried to use a key word sheet or flashcards during your speech, you are likely to be overwhelmed.
   • If you cannot deliver your speech evenly and completely, make the necessary changes to your notes.

Tips

• If you are going to give a speech in which you will thank or acknowledge certain people, such as the organizer of an event, the president of the company, or the hero of the occasion, write down their names and titles. Write down phonetic transcriptions of all difficult to pronounce names. Only in this case will you depend on your records, and only to avoid mistakes.
• Memorize parts of your speech for more effective delivery.

Warnings

• Never use visual aids such as slides instead of notes. The audience will read the slides, not listen to you, and will get bored waiting for the next one. Remember forever that the visual cue is for the audience, not for the speaker.