How can I organize my ideas when giving a presentation?

Question

Every time I have to give a speech or presentation, my mind goes blank and I have trouble trying to think clearly. It might take me a while to remember something. How can I get my thoughts together so that my mind isn't so foggy during speeches?

Answer 1

Ever heard of 3x5 cards?

Answer 2

Sometimes I have this difficulty also.

Organization for speech giving is a process, not just something you do once.

The first step, after you have your topic, is to do research. Throrough knowledge of your topic cannot be overemphasized. The more you know and understand your topic, the less difficulty you will have.

Next, to organize all of this information, brainstorm a list of the relevant points. Not everything you know about it will be useful or appropriate to your audience (though it will be for answering questions, if nothing else) so write a list of everything you want to tell them.

After brainstorming, put this list into some semblance of order. What do you want to tell them first? What do you want to tell them last? If they have to know "A" before you can teach/tell them "B" then make sure you talk about "A" first.

It's always a good idea to start with an introduction to your topic. Unless this is something you're absolutely SURE they know about, assume your audience doesn't know the first thing about your topic and begin with an introduction.

The ending is also important. I like to leave my audiences with a question or something to think about that keeps what I've said in their brains. It's perfectly ok (and recommended) to end with a concept that wraps all you've already talked about together, but don't bring up any new information or concepts.

After you've got your speech/presentation outline, begin filling in what you want to say about each main topic. What small points do you want to make sure to bring up? Try writing the whole thing out as if you were writing an essay to read aloud.

3x5 index cards or one sheet of paper with just a few keywords on it to keep you grounded is a great way to actually give your presentation, You don't want to sound like a robot just reading something off but these hints will keep your brain focused.

Keep your language and concepts simple unless you absolutely can't, for some reason. If you're talking to your Chemistry class about a compound, then that's one thing, but if you're talking to a mixed group of people (meaning different ages, different areas of interest, etc) don't get technical. It will confuse them and then you'll lose your audience.

Remember to smile and make eye contact with various parts of the room.

Another idea is to try your local library to see what books they have on public speaking. Browse through a couple to see what ideas they have for overcoming this difficulty and any tips they have for giving speeches/presentations in general. One I recommend is "Public Speaking" by Michael and Suzanne Osborn.

Above all, have fun and remember that there is no such thing as the "perfect" speech or presentation. It's a learning and growing process.

If you have any further questions or need any clarification, feel free to email me. Good luck to you!

~ FR

Answer 3

People remember things in groups of three. Sort your speech out into three parts--the first part will be a preview of what you are going to tell your audience. The second part is when you actually tell them, and the third part is when you recap what you've told them.

Within each third you should have no more than three points. Just memorize the points.

Then, say your speech in front of a mirror. Concentrate on how you look saying it. Say it again and again and again until you are very clear on exactly what you need to say and have it memorized.

Then give the speech to your dog/neighbor/friend who knows nothing about the topic. If they can understand you then you've hit the nail on the head.

The key is rote memorization. Even when you get nervous, the memorization kicks in and will bring you through.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Try recording your voice and listening to it. It helps in the memory process, and lets you feel comfortable in your own skin.

Try cue-cards, they are a great way to help you collect your thoughts.

Always reherse you presentation at least twice.

Try reading over your presentation just before, it helps you make last minute adjustments.

Don't expect to present in a planned way, millions of things could happen that could completely alter your presentation, be prepared for anything.

Hope this helps!!!

Answer 5

i have the same problem.

Most important thing when giving a presentation is to be completely knowledgeable on the subject. you will be more comfortable with concepts and you'll less likely blank.

also, have a little card with you that outlines what you want to say or include little reminders.

Answer 6

try note cards, or you can try practicing before you present then you will be prepared more of what 2 say.

Answer 7

focus on 1 topic then later branch out on main points, then elaborate