Aim not just to inform, but to leave a lasting impact, says Marsha Egan
Research suggests that your audience will recall only 25-50% of your speech after a few days. After a few weeks, this could drop to a mere 10%. But donât let this discourage you. Instead, consider it a challenge to make your speech as memorable as possible.
Top Tips
Hereâs how you can ensure your words stick with your audience long after the applause fades.
1. Start strong with a hook
First impressions matter. Start your speech with a compelling hook â a surprising fact, a poignant story, or a provocative question. This captures attention immediately and sets the tone for whatâs to come. If you can grab your audienceâs attention right from the start, theyâre more likely to stay engaged throughout. People will remember the very first thing you say, so donât waste it on âthank you for having meâ; start right in with that hook, then thank them.
2. Tell stories
Humans are hardwired to love stories. Stories are relatable and can evoke emotions, making your speech more memorable. Share personal anecdotes or stories of others that illustrate your key points. A well-told story can be remembered for years, long after the specific details of your speech are forgotten.
3. Keep it simple and focused
Donât overload your speech with too many points. Stick to three main ideas or messages and one main point. By asking yourself, âWhat is the main point I want them to remember?â, you can maintain that focus. This simplicity makes it easier for your audience to follow and remember what youâve said. If you bombard them with too much information, theyâre likely to forget most of it.
4. Engage your audience
Interaction is key. Ask questions, encourage participation, or incorporate activities that involve your audience. Engagement keeps people attentive and makes them feel involved in the message, which helps with retention. When people are actively engaged, theyâre more likely to remember what was said.
5. Use repetition
Repetition is a powerful tool. Repeat your main points throughout the speech to reinforce them. This doesnât mean you should be redundant, but strategically restate key messages in different ways. This helps embed the information in your audienceâs memory.
6. Add emotional impact
Emotionally charged content sticks. Find ways to evoke emotions in your speech, whether through heartfelt stories, passionate delivery, or discussing topics that resonate deeply with your audience. Emotions create a connection and make the information more memorable.
7. Incorporate visual aids
Visual aids can significantly boost retention. Use slides, videos, or props to illustrate your points. Visuals can help your audience better understand and remember your message. Just ensure they complement your speech rather than distract from it.
8. Make it relevant
Tailor your speech to your audienceâs interests and needs. When people find the information personally relevant or useful, theyâre more likely to remember it. Show how your points apply to their lives, and theyâll be more invested in retaining your message.
9. End with a bang
Your conclusion should be as strong as your opening. Summarize your main points and end with a memorable statement or call to action. Leave your audience with something to ponder or act upon. A strong ending ensures that your speech lingers in their minds.
10. Follow up
Enhance long-term retention by reinforcing your message after the speech. This could be through follow-up emails, handouts, or social media posts. Repeated exposure helps embed the information in your audienceâs memory.
Challenge Yourself
Next time you prepare a speech, challenge yourself to implement these strategies. Remember, while the bulk of your speech might fade from memory, the key messages and the way you made your audience feel can linger for years. So, put in that extra effort. Craft your speech with care, engage your audience with passion, and deliver it with conviction. Your words have the power to resonate long after the event, inspiring change and sparking new ideas. Donât just speak to be heard; speak to be remembered.
