Kathy Brooke, co-founder of Be Your Own Coach, turns to one of presenting’s most quietly misunderstood tools — notes — in the final week of her Public Speaking and Presenting mini-series. She also explains why ditching the pressure to memorise every word could be the key to more confident, authentic and audience-focused delivery.
I want to address what is often deemed the very large, very embarrassing and sometimes crippling elephant in the room – the humble piece of paper.
I’m going to start by highlighting something I have never heard: “The presentation was amazing purely because they knew it all from memory.”
No.
What I have heard is praise for delivery, passion, knowledge, confidence… but never solely for the ability to memorise and recall information (although my GCSE exam results may tell a different story!)
READ MORE: How to prepare like a performer before your next public speaking gig
In my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some incredible business-folk. Individuals who build and lead organisations, spearhead change, create opportunities and inspire those around them. People whose mere presence has an unspoken yet undeniable energy, and whom people flock to for advice and guidance.
One would presume these people would feel perfectly at home on the stage, and some of them do for short periods, however, the moment they require a couple of notes on a piece of paper, they shrink to the demeanour of a guilty school child – shuffling awkwardly to hide the contraband behind their backs.
My question is this:
When did we all join the Royal Shakespeare Company?
When did we decide that we must not use notes on stage, and that success equals a perfectly polished, rehearsed performance?
For me… that’s where the issue lies.
Unless you’re about to step onto a West End stage, I HIGHLY discourage word-perfect, scripted presentations – for two main reasons.
1. You are focusing purely on YOU.
Your memory.
Your recall.
Your performance.
This is the complete opposite of what we covered in week one – where we looked at intention, audience impact and solving a problem for them.
Over-rehearsed scripts can turn even the best presentation into a one-sided sales pitch, lacking authenticity and connection – leaving the audience feeling like spectators at a performance rather than being connected to your mission and passion.
2. Your brain doesn’t care about your script – it cares about perceived threat.
You may have your script nailed while practising in your living room or office. Brilliant.
But add people. Add dynamics. Add unpredictability.
Suddenly, your brain is scanning for potential “threats” – not playing Jim Davidson’s memory game with your script.
And good luck if someone interjects with a question, starts rustling a packet of mints, or nips out for a wee.
Unless you’ve written that into your script, there’s a high chance it will throw you completely off course. Distractions = danger!
Which brings me back to notes.
If your intention is to help your team feel comfortable with company changes – and having a few bullet points on a small card helps you hit the important details – great.
READ MORE: The secret weapon for tackling those public speaking nerves
If you’re pitching to a client and your intention is to solve their problem – and you’ve written down specific examples to add value and build trust – what exactly is the problem?
Well, the issue comes when we try to hide our notes.
When we feel awkward reading them.
When we keep them concealed and glance down apologetically – often dropping our heads, which can give the perception of a lack of confidence.
If having bullet points on a piece of paper (or a few cue cards) helps you – OWN IT.
News presenters do it.
Politicians do it.
Doctors do it.
Heck, even priests do it.
They are clear on their intentions. The notes are simply a tool to help them deliver it.
So, if you’re faffing around trying to memorise a script or hide your notes – stop.
- Write them in a short, sharp way so you can read them quickly and efficiently.
- Use cue cards and keep them neatly arranged or stapled together – anything to avoid bits of paper flying everywhere.
- Use them as an extension of your arms. Bring the notes up to you to read them. Don’t bring your head down, drop your gaze or hide them. Maintain eye contact. Display confidence in your delivery.
If it helps, call out the elephant in the room. Own it. It’s your elephant.
“I’ve got a couple of notes to draw on in today’s presentation which I’m excited to share with you.”
Notice – I’m not apologising.
- My intention is to help my audience.
- I’m an adult.
The more comfortable you are, the more comfortable your audience will be.
And once you relax into it, there’s a high chance you won’t need them anyway.
That concludes our four-part mini-series on public speaking and presenting.
If you have any questions about what we’ve covered this month – or you’d like a copy of the breathwork videos from week two (or any previous columns) – feel free to drop me an email at: [email protected]
See you next week as we kick off our March Management & Leadership series!
