Basic TV Reporting, 2nd Edition

Memory Aids

The most obvious problem you face in preparing your first stand-upper is remembering the words. For those whose nerves let them down to the extent that they are unable to memorise anything, ad-libbing is not the answer. It rarely comes across as convincing, especially if it is not fluent, and in circumstances where strict accuracy of thought and language are necessary, it can be very risky.

How to remember the words

For the beginner, the secret is to proceed cautiously and not to be over-ambitious. First, write down what you are going to say and memorise it. If you can remember a five-line limerick you can manage 30 words–the equivalent of ten seconds. When that seems easy, increase it in 15-word–five-second– stages until you have ...