The Problem with Perfect Preparation

I find it quite interesting that one of the biggest fears people have with public speaking is the fear of their **mind going blank**. Being scared of forgetting what to say next is valid, even if you are relying on a perfectly memorized speech. But it’s ironic because that memorized speech IS the problem. Here’s why. When you memorize a script for a presentation or a speech, there is something you are **SUPPOSED** to say next. Meaning, you think you will mess up the moment you stray away from that script. That gives your mind something to go blank ON. Because when you have memorized a script, and you are giving a speech, your attention is divided. Half your attention is going toward actually speaking, and the other half is diverted to trying to remember what to say next. And the moment you aren’t able to recall what to say next, you panic and your mind goes “blank” which is really just a freeze response to the stress of forgetting the next words in the script. So what’s the solution? Well, prioritize understanding the concepts of what you are talking about rather than memorizing. For example, if you are giving a speech about the industrial revolution, **UNDERSTAND** the industrial revolution, and just explain it. This is so helpful because since you are just explaining something, you can’t really mess up. Follow an outline to organize your thoughts, and be conversational, and you will notice that your mind won't go blank because you don't have to deal with the stress of recalling a script **WHILE** you are speaking. For more information on public speaking please take a look at the Pen2Podium website linked below. [https://pen2podium.com](https://pen2podium.com/programs?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Online&utm_campaign=Website+blog)