One of the most popular learning style models is the VARK model. VARK is an acronym that refers to four styles of learning: Visual, Auditory, Reading/writing and Kinesthetic.
Not only can you consider your audience’s learning modalities and create presentations that use different modalities, you can use the VARK model to help you to internalize a speech and reduce dependence on notes by using different methods of practice and preparation.
A critically important point to help you reduce your stress level:
You do NOT need to memorize your speech word-for-word. Your audience only knows what you say. How you say it, is how they believe you meant to say it!
10 Ways to Internalize a Speech and Reduce Dependence on Notes (pdf download)
1. Repetition. Read it several times out loud. Or, listen to a recording of yourself.
2. Chunking. Chunk the content and practice parts of it (for example introduction, point 1, point 2, point 3, conclusion). Include transition statements that occur before and after each chunk.
- Read the chunk aloud, along with transition statements.
- Recall–try to say the chunk without peeking at the written speech
- Check by reading again (or if you recorded, you can listen to the recording)
- Repeat until you get the first chunk down, and then move onto another part.
3. Gestures. Connect specific gestures to your points (but make sure the gestures are natural). More
4. Method of loci (also known as a memory journey or the mind palace technique)
a. Physical journey: assign parts of your speech to different physical objects on a path and practice those parts at the object as you walk the path. For example, in my home, I will give my introduction at my front door, then point one is at the refrigerator, point 2 is at the stove, point 3 is at the sink and my conclusion is that at the dining room table.
b. Imaginary journey: you can create a mental or physical map that you visualize as you practice your speech. Some people even imagine the face of a clock.
5. Keywords. Practice from keywords (use memory-trigger keywords, no more than 3-4 per sentence). Stories you tell may only need a trigger phrase, such as “Family Christmas Party.” More on Notes
6. Use picture and symbol notes. While picture and symbol notes can take longer to construct, they can quickly connect your brain to your content. More on pictures as notes
7. Practice from an outline. A logically structured speech, with a main idea and all content supporting the idea will facilitate internalization. If you can remember the structure, the logical flow, you will facilitate your own internalization of the content.
8. Tell stories. Relevant stories are the easiest parts of speeches to remember.
9. Use visual aids strategically to convey information that would be difficult to recall (statistics, charts)
10. Speaker notes on the handout. If you are using a handout, add a few speaker notes to your handout copy and use that as your notes.
Download pdf: 10 Ways to Internalize a Speech and Reduce Dependence on Notes
Do you have additional ways to internalize a speech and reduce dependence on notes?
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