Should I memorize my talk?

“Do or do not, there is no try,” said Yoda. When it comes to memorizing your talk, the same principle applies: either you memorize it, or you don’t. But don’t get stuck in the “uncanny valley,” where your talk is sort of memorized, but not quite there. The uncanny valley, in this case, refers to the uncomfortable feeling that arises when your delivery is too stiff or robotic because you’re stuck between memorizing and just learning the material. It’s the disconnect you feel when something almost seems natural but doesn’t quite hit the mark—and your audience feels it too.

DO, Memorize Your Talk If you choose to memorize, make sure you do it at the “Happy Birthday” level. You should know your talk so well that it’s automatic—like the lyrics to a song you’ve heard a thousand times. Imagine being in a high-stress situation, like being chased by a knife-wielding stranger, and still effortlessly singing “Happy Birthday.” That’s the level of fluency you want. It takes time—around an hour of practice for every minute of speech—but once it’s ingrained, it will flow naturally. The key is to memorize it so deeply that you’re no longer thinking about individual words or phrases, but about the bigger picture: the message you’re delivering.

DO NOT, Memorize Your Talk Alternatively, you don’t need to memorize every word. Instead, think of your talk like the story of how you met your best friend. If someone asks you about it, you might choose different words each time, but the core structure and key points of the story will remain the same. By deeply learning your talk, you’ll internalize it to that level, allowing you to speak confidently without being glued to a script. The goal is to know your talk so well that it feels like a natural conversation, not a performance.

Whether you choose to memorize or simply learn your talk, the key is to know it deeply. When you’re confident and comfortable with your material, your audience will feel it too. This connection, authenticity, and ease are what make for the best presentations. So, don’t get caught in the uncanny valley of “almost” memorized—either you do, or you don’t. And when you do, you’ll deliver a talk that resonates and connects with your audience, every time.

Got an important talk YOU'RE trying to write? Get in touch. I work with speakers all over the country (and a few in other countries!) to help them find and refine their own big ideas, keynotes and sales pitches. https://calendly.com/thehiredpens/15-minute-consultation-free