Is my problem psychological?

Question

I have a problem performing my presentation(script). I have my presentation written down pretty much word for word. I was just doing a practice run on my presentation with a family member. As I was saying my presentation while looking at my sister in the eyes I would forget what was my next line of my presentation. Also when I would wait for her to answer a question that I asked, I would forget the next line and notice that I was trying to think what was my next line of my presentation, so that I could present it to her.

I'm not sure if I'm doing my presentation right. When I forget, I notice myself trying to think of how my script goes which causes me to lag for a second before I say the next line in my presentation.

What am I doing wrong?

Should I be trying to memorize my presentation word for word?

How should I be doing my presentation?

Any advice would be great.

I can say my whole presentation without looking at the paper once, but for some reason when I try to present it in front of someone I draw blanks.

I don't feel nervous or have anxiety when I try to say it in front of my sister.

Its like 2 different scenarios.

1. I'm okay sitting hear repeating my presentation. With this method, I can think of my presentation on paper thats why I don't have trouble saying it.

2. When im in front of someone it all goes out the window until i can see the presentation on paper in my mind again. Then I continue where i left off.

Answer 1

. No you should just relax and not do it word for word if you know your material well then just make a few notes of something you might forget in your summation. As far as the people go dont look them in the eyes look at the tops of there heads or there forhead they will asume your making eye contact.

Answer 2

Memorizing is sometimes good and sometimes bad. Do you feel that you have to memorize it because you feel that you have too much speech anxiety to be able to "wing it"? If that's the case, either find ways to ease your speech anxiety, or do the best you can with memorization. You're doing the right thing: practice, practice, practice.

If you're memorizing because you feel that you simply have to hit on every single point in a specific order, that's going to cause you some major problems. Like you said, if you forget and get out of "script" you're going to draw a blank as to what comes next. My suggestion would be to make an outline and practice with it. Just list the subtopics and see how much you can say off the top of your head without using a script.

The problem with memorizing is that you often forget the big picture because you're bogged down with the detail. Instead of thinking logically to come to the next part of the presentation, you are, in effect, reading, which doesn't require much thinking. So when you lose your place, your brain can't instantly follow the next logical step by itself, it has to wait for the retrieval of the exact script.

Practice with memorization and practice with spontaneity. Technically, you're "supposed" to be spontaneous and fall back on memorization. I know it's hard to do a speech with no memorization, but it's even harder to do a speech strictly by memorization alone.

Helpful websites:
Pros, cons, and how-tos of memorization:
http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~rbrokaw/reading.htm
http://www.ljlseminars.com/may2002.txt

Speech Anxiety:
http://www.uiowa.edu/~c100298/anxiety.html

Answer 3

Don't sweat it. Public speaking is one of the top five worst fears by most people.

1. Make sure you already know what you WANT to say. This is not memorization, but having an outline in your head, (as though you were an expert on your subject) will help you a great deal.

2. Practice some natural movement. Unless you have to stand behind a podium, use a little natural body movement, as though you were on a stage and talking to different portions of the audience. It will help you feel natural and less "stiff".

3. Don't look your audience in the eyes. The human gaze can be hypnotic, if not distracting. Look over the tops of their heads, unless you're in a very small room, in which case you should look at their ties or their hair.

4. Gesture normally. Don't try to be Ronald Reagan, just be natural and gesture with your hands, your face, your body naturally. It will help you feel more relaxed and put your audience at ease.

Answer 4

I think it would be a really good idea to memorize your presentation, know what you're talking about and then once you do that you won't be thrown off kilter along the way.
I once had to learn a very long sales presentation and say it 3 to 4 times a night to complete strangers. My first few times boy did I falter . But with practice makes perfect. I became the top closer for the company. They sent their trainer out to see what the heck I was doing to get so many sales. They never told me what they found out. I knew the answer, I knew exactly what I was talking about backwards and forwards.

Answer 5

Sounds like you are on the right path with doing your presentation to your sister. Make a presentation takes practice. I would have you continue to practice with your sister over and over until you fill comfortable, do not worry if you start messing up with her, a matter a fact mess up big with her, get it out of your system. Also make fun of yourself, laugh at yourself it will help you relax. When you're relaxed you will remember.

Answer 6

I can't help but think you ought to memorize it word-for-word. I think your problem is nothing more than your not knowing what you were supposed to say next and essentially worrying about it.

If you memorize it (in small bits at a time if you have the time) you will know what you say, what the other person says, what you say, etc. etc. You would be able to, in your mind, say the other person's lines until they are done, and then say your own.

Answer 7

What I was always thought (assuming your actual presentation will be in front of several people) is you shouldn't be looking directly at people, which may cause your mind to trigger other ideas. That being said, looking at an object on the wall behind your audience.
What I have found to be easier to do was to study my presentation, practice in front of people, read it to myself, read it aloud, and have someone read it to you so you can hear how it sounds.

-These are just things that have helped me.
Good luck.

Answer 8

I think you should write down points and be able to explain the points. Memorizing always messes people up if you get one word wrong you can't remember what you should say next..just be yourself!

Answer 9

You can present your script to yourself in frondt of the mirror. i do it many times. it helps me a lot. try to see who you are while the presentation. make your presentation many times in fron of the mirror and then try to presented in your sister

Answer 10

Its the normal process of memorization, dont sweat it. It really needs to become ingrained in you, nto just memorized so just do it again and again.