Forgetting your Words When Presenting? Read These 4 Powerful Tips

Reading Time: 2 mins

I froze.  
 
I forgot my lines.  
 
I had been invited to deliver the opening presentation to 200+ young professionals on the power of volunteering.  
 
Through volunteering on boards, speaking, consulting, and presentation coaching, I use my voice to encourage others to own their voice—to communicate their purpose and realize their leadership potential.  
 
Well, my presentation was going well until I forgot my script.  
 
Every eye was on me. It felt piercing and nerve-wracking. My heart beat faster. Standing on the Telus Garden rooftop, where the presentation was taking place, I felt the world stand still. It was utterly quiet. Silence. 
 
In those dreadful moments that a presenter hopes doesn't happen (forgetting what to say and freezing at the same time), I leaned into the power of listening and reframing the stories that I was telling myself.

I listened to my breathing.

1. I listened to my inner voice - the critique ("you forgot your lines" and the champion ("you've got this.") 
   Both voices helped ground me. The critique helped me accept the reality. The champion helped me reframe the situation with a growth mindset.
   

2. I listened and connected with the audience by smiling and making eye contact with each person.
   

3. I listened deeper by praying for the words that would add the most value to the audience in the moment.

It felt like long minutes, though it was likely a 10 second pause.  
 
My lines came back, but with a twist. 
I invited the audience to listen, to embrace the pause in the moment, and reflect on a cause they cared about and volunteer to make a positive difference. 
 
The feedback I received was that the moment of pause were the most persuasive and impactful.

My key take-forwards:

1. The audience didn't know my script except me. Scripts are guides, so they are not meant to be rigid.

2. Embrace the inner critique and champion to stay present.

3. By listening to my internal conversations with myself, I connected and adapted my key messages to suit the moment.

Four years later, I forgot some lines during my TEDx talk last year. Applying these 3 lessons in the moment enhanced my delivery. 
 
So, when you freeze during a presentation or speech, embrace the power of listening.

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