Can You Deliver a Talk Without Notes?
Could you give a 15-minute speech with zero notes?
A few months ago, I delivered my first-ever TEDx talk as a communication skills speaker. The rules were simple: 17 minutes on stage, no notes, no slides. Terrifying? A little. Possible? Absolutely.
If you’re looking for practical tips for public speaking, here’s the exact process I used – and it might help you too.
Step 1: Write the Script (Like You Actually Speak)
Start by writing every word. Then edit relentlessly until it sounds like you.
This isn’t an email; it’s a performance. Therefore, keep sentences short, use everyday phrasing, and aim for conversational rhythm.
Pro tip: Read it out loud while editing. It’s one thing I always do as a communication skills and business speaker, and it really helps to smooth things out — your ears will catch clunky lines your eyes miss.
Step 2: Build the Spine (Your Chapter Headings)
Now compress that script into a handful of bullet points – your “chapter headings.”
Think: Hook → Story → Insight → Example → Call-to-Action.
These headings are the mental signposts that stop you drifting. When you know the route, you won’t panic about the next turn.
Step 3: Create a One-Page Crib Sheet
Put the entire talk on one A4 page – no paragraphs, just keywords, transitions, stats, or names.
The goal isn’t to read it; it’s to prime recall. As a result, this crib sheet becomes the bridge between a written script and a memorised talk.
If a paragraph doesn’t earn a keyword, it’s probably filler.
Step 4: Do the Reps (Out Loud, Everywhere)
Rehearse out loud – walking, driving, pacing your kitchen.
Each complete run-through earns a tick on the crib sheet. Aim for 10–15 full reps. You’ll quickly spot weak transitions and timing swings.
Record at least one run; you’ll hear where you rush, mumble, or meander. Recording is one of the best tips for public speaking – it lets you see and hear how your performance lands.
Bonus Tactics to Lock It In
Landmarks, Not Lines
Memorise the ideas and order, not every syllable. You’ll sound natural and won’t derail if a sentence goes missing.
Anchor Stories
Personal stories are sticky. Use them as memory anchors to pull you through abstract points.
Physical Blocking
Assign sections to stage positions (left, centre, right). Moving your body helps cue your brain.
Time Checks
Know your minute markers (e.g., “At 5:00, I’m at the first case study”). This protects your ending.
Strong Finish
Rehearse your last 30 seconds the most. Audiences remember endings – make yours clean and confident.
Why This Works
You’re moving from script → structure → cues → muscle memory.
That progression turns anxiety into autopilot. It’s the same process I use as a communication skills speaker preparing for keynotes and corporate events.
Ultimately, it’s a proven method that scales – from a small team meeting to a TEDx stage – making it one of the most reliable tips for public speaking you’ll ever use.
Final Thought
If you try this method, I’d love to hear how it goes. What’s one technique you use to memorise and deliver under pressure?
👉 Want to master confidence and connection on stage? Visit my Keynote Speaker page to learn how I help teams and leaders perform at their best when it matters most.