7⨦2 is the limit

Chunking

Memory palace

Sherlock Holmes

3 is a magical number – for speeches

Mnemonics

In addition to the memory palace, you might:

• associate the components of the speech
  • with key words or figures (e.g., animals) and use them to tell a story;
  • with a letter and use them to create abbreviations/words
• illustrate your speech on paper with colors and figures
• rehearse, record, review, and revise; 4–8 times!

Memory and mindmap

Preparation vs speaking outline

When preparing you might write prose (e.g., essay) or a detailed outline. This is a first step.

You need to then prepare a speaking outline that:

• distills speech into bullets
• recognizes that “three is the magic number”
• documents the framing and signposts you provide to the audience
• documents the mnemonics you use for yourself

Structure

speech purpose

what the speech is to accomplish

thesis statement

what you actually say to the audience about your topic and purpose

main points

the three to five main points that support your thesis (Gunn 2017, loc. 226)

Arrangements

spatial

Freud’s model of psyche as an iceberg

temporal

historical / narrative

topical

enumeration (how to transition)

problem-solution

child-hood obesity

cause and effect

child-hood obesity

(intentional) rambling

comes together at end

What is a specific topic that would be apt for each type??

Outline template

The dorodango outline

7 Ways To Recover From A Memory Lapse On Stage

1. Planned Spontaneity
2. Repeat what you just said in a different way
3. Don’t have your entire script with you
4. Go to your notes if you need to
5. The audience doesn’t know what comes next
6. Use Q&A to your advantage
7. Rehearse PROPERLY

Wrap up

• Share a draft topic and thesis.
• Any questions?

• What is a good number of topics and subtopics to have in a short speech?
• What are two menmonic techniques for remembering your talk?