All change leaders give speeches. Change leaders know that speaking without notes, speaking from the heart, leaves a memorable imprint. How do you wean yourself from notes?

Normally when I prepare a speech, I write it in entirety, with the left column containing the words, the right column containing notes on gestures and body language. Then I practice before a camera, while I hone my notes. At events, my preference is to speak without notes, so I try to practice enough to complete the speech several times without notes and without forgetting my place. Normally, I run out of practice time.

Either I bring my notes and keep them handy, or I go without notes and trust that I can pull it off. Using notes is a problem for me, because I’m old enough to need reading glasses. Donning glasses to remind myself of the next point disrupts the flow. It’s like an actor stopping the play to read his lines. By going without notes, I risk feeling more anxious prior to and while speaking. Further I risk my mind going blank at some key point.

Change leaders know that if you want different results, you take different steps. Last week I chose a new path. I practiced my new speech without writing a single word. I resisted every temptation to hold a pen and jot down even an outline. I’ve never been addicted to drugs, alcohol or cigarettes, but for a few days, I had an idea what that must feel like. From sun rise to drifting into unconsciousness at night, my mind thought of things to write down.

I had two hypotheses working. First, one cannot feel anxious about speaking without notes if there are no notes in the first place. Second, humanity has a long tradition of oral story telling, and many storytellers were illiterate. Surely I could tap into that innate ability.

The day of the speech, I spoke last. I felt comfortable and relaxed as I listened to the other speakers. Normally, my anxiety weakens my ability to truly listen. I wasn’t 100% just a member of the audience, but then the average audience member isn’t 100% present either, although speakers like to imagine it is so. Still, for long periods I forgot my role later in the program. That’s an achievement.

My time came. The speech rolled off my tongue, I connected with people, and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. So did the audience. Not for a moment, did I wonder what thought comes next. For new shoes, this speech fit like familiar slippers.

Another benefit of a note-less speech is shorter preparation time. As you know, writing out a speech takes commitment. Every minute of speaking is one page of notes when written out and honed to professional detail. Yes with no notes, I would rehearse sooner and more often, but removing the writing definitely saved time.

While practicing, to my pleasant surprise, I experienced several bursts of creativity. Previously unthought-of metaphors jumped out of my mouth. Sometimes new gestures emerged when my emotions flowed.

At times, I spoke and critiqued, simultaneously. I listened to myself as the audience would. Did every idea add to their experience? Was the message clear and compelling? Would they remember and be changed?

Normally trying something new sets a person progress backward. The first experience is more failure, more feedback, then success. Not so for my experiment with note-less speaking.

Who knows how far this approach can take a change leader. Perhaps you use notes now and want to leave them behind? What if you can develop the ability to craft fabulous speeches while driving to work or flying to meetings?

I would love to hear your views and experiences with speaking, note-full or note-less.

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Michael Cushman, The Engaging Guru, wants you to master enrolling others in your truth, get the goodies of life, and change the world.  www.engagingchange.com