How to Speak from Notes

How to speak from notes / a script effectively?

I’m in Brighton at Lib Dem party conference.

Aficionados will recognise the hotel backdrop.

Observing speakers today on stage, it’s striking how some know how to speak effectively from a podium…

…while others struggle.

The trick is to maximise eye contact with the audience while speaking.

But to pause when looking down at the page.

Sounds simple.

And it is.

But doesn’t mean it’s easy.

The pauses can feel excruciating as the speaker.

But if you talk into your notes, your connection with the real (!) audience dilutes VERY fast.

You don’t need to memorise a speech; but to be familiar enough to deliver bursts of a few lines at a time while looking up will make a big difference.

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