What’d you think of today’s Stage Time article?
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“OUCH! Darren’s Winning Speech Dissected” — I originally published this article three years ago, but one of my readers asked about it recently. Since we’re in the middle of contest season, I thought it would be helpful for other speakers, as well.
What did you think of this technique? Have you tried it with your speeches? Let’s discuss it here…
Darren
Darren LaCroix learned how to be funny the hard way by experience. He is a keynote speaker with a thriving publc speaking career. He authored books, CD’s, DVD’s, & other public speaking courses. He gives motivational speeches all over the world including Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia.
Hey Darren! Thanks for re-publishing this article with the speech in the box idea. Couple thoughts to add:
1. Many new toastmasters or speakers wonder how not to use notes or how to memorize their speeches. I think this technique makes it really easy to memorize your speech. If you “name” each box like you’ve done in your article – eventually, you create a little outline of the “names” of each of the boxes. Maybe you have 5-10 boxes and that’s all you really need to memorize. 5-10 words for a 5-7 minute speech vs. 600 words is much easier!
2. How do you create this easily on your computer? In Word, you can simply use the Format Border function – and highlight the area you want to put a box around.
I even take it one step further and create a table with 2 columns and in the left column I put the “name” of my box – and on the right I put the script of that portion of my speech. Each Row of the table is a different section of the speech (tab to get a new row). Again, you can use the format border function to put boxes around the different sections.
Then, when you are memorizing – you simply look down the left and you’ll see the 5-10 parts of your speech and how they flow.
When I am towards the end of my practicing, I just have the 5-10 words in front of me and I know my entire speech.
Then, I put those away, and I’m completely without notes.
Stagetime, Stagetime, Stagetime!
I am about to write my International Speech and will apply this method – taking in Rebecca’s idea of using a table with 2 columns.
Always great tips coming from you Darren – I am constantly reading your articles,applying suggested techniques and improving my speeches. Jan.
I can’t believe it’s been three years. I remember when you first released this message. It’s just as good advise as it was then. It’s good to see great advise brought back and it’s even better to see some kudos for Rebecca here in the western PA. She deserves it.
Darren, this looks like a great process. Do you write your speech out first and then go back and place it into boxes?
Thanks
T.Wayne Gatewood
THE BUILDER