How to Memorize a Speech Posted: 22 Apr 2019 01:00 AM PDT Memorizing a speech for a class, work presentation, or other affair can be an intimidating task for some people. Fortunately, whether you're memorizing a long soliloquy or a short report, there are multiple methods you can use for memorizing your speech. The visualization technique is best for memorizing the main ideas of your speech, while the chunk method is best for memorizing a speech verbatim. EditChunking Your Speech - Write out the entire speech and read it out loud. To cement the speech in your head, you need to write it out in its complete form. This includes the introduction, body, and conclusion of the speech. Reading the speech aloud will also allow you to hear how it sounds thematically, as well as keep more of your senses engaged in the memorization process.[1]
- You should write out the entire speech even if you do not plan on memorizing it verbatim. The point is not to memorize it right now, but to get a sense of how the speech reads and flows.
- If at all possible, try to read the speech in the place you will deliver it. The acoustics of every room and setting vary somewhat, so reading your speech in the actual delivery location can help you get accustomed to the way your voice will sound from that spot. Additionally, it helps you get comfortable with the layout of the room, making it possible for you to rehearse your movements as well as your words.
- Split the speech into short chunks that are 2-3 sentences long. The chunks can be sentences that are on the same topic or they can be organized based on how difficult they are for you to remember. The goal should be for you to know which parts of the speech you need to work on memorizing the most.[2]
- Take the time to actually mark off each section or chunk of information in your written notes. This can make it easier for you to recall when one part ended and when the next part picks up as you practice, making it harder for you to accidentally forget or leave any parts out.
- Practice the first chunk of your speech until you can fully recall it. Practice reciting this first chunk of information out loud while referring to your notes as little as possible. Once you're able to recite the entire chunk without having to look at your notes at all, consider this chunk memorized.[3]
- If you get stuck, do not immediately return to your notes. Start from the beginning and try to say the chunk again. If this fails, spend a few more moments trying to recall the missing information. When you decide that nothing can help you remember it, return to your notes and briefly look up what the missing part consisted of.
- When you finish memorizing a chunk of your speech, read through it again to verify that you have it correct.
- Add more and more chunks to your recall. Once you finish recalling the first chunk successfully, add a second chunk to it, repeating both until the second chunk can be recited from memory, as well. Be sure to memorize chunks that appear sequentially in your speech, since this is the order that you'll have to recall them in later on.[4]
- It is important that you continue repeating previously memorize chunks so that you do not forget them. Moreover, repeating all chunks of your speech together will help you to memorize how each chunk fits together with the rest.
- Continue this process until you've memorized the whole speech. Continue practicing your speech out loud without looking at your notes. If you have trouble remembering a certain chunk, isolate it and focus on recalling it from memory before trying to weave it back into the speech as a whole.[5]
- Regardless of which memorization tactics you use and how effective they are, the most valuable thing you can do for yourself is to practice the speech as often as possible.
- Practice your speech from memory as best as possible. You can refer to your notes when you get stuck, but deliver as much as possible without your notes.
- Try to practice your speech from memory for at least half of your practices, if not more.
EditUsing the Visualization Technique - Write an outline of the speech using bullet points instead of sentences. This type of outline will touch on all the major parts of your speech, making it easier for you to divide it into manageable parts. Use bullet points that describe the main themes of each section of your speech, as well as any smaller themes or points within these sections.[6]
- For instance, instead of writing "When I was a child, I was attacked by a dog. It was a mean old dog that belonged to my neighbor at the time. Ever since then, I've been afraid of dogs," simply write "dog attack story."
- Writing your outline this way will prevent you from memorizing the exact words you intend to use in your speech, which would make you sound robotic instead of natural.
- Your outline should include all major ideas and all major supporting ideas. If you have any special examples or analogies you want to use within your speech, these also warrant bullet points.
- Divide the speech into distinct sections based on your outline. Each main idea or major supporting detail that was written as a bullet point in your outline should be considered a distinct section. If you have multiple bullet points that are very similar to each other, these can also be lumped together into a single section.[7]
- For example, if 1 bullet point reads "my semester abroad in China" and the next bullet reads "attending a Chinese school," these can be combined into a single section called "my experiences in China."
- These sections should logically flow into each other in a comfortable narrative format. Think of them as the different acts in a story you're telling the audience.
- If you did not write an outline or do not like the way your information is organized into bullet points on the outline, you could opt to divide your speech by paragraph instead of by bullet point. The idea is mostly to assign one major idea to each part.
- Visualize a mental image for each section of your speech. Choose an image that is related to the theme of the speech section, but which is also a little bit odd or off the wall. The more absurd and unique the image is, the easier it will be to recall it later.[8]
- For instance, if a part of your speech mentions that coconut oil can help hair grow faster, you could imagine something like Rapunzel sitting on top of a tower made of coconuts or living in a room filled with coconuts. Rapunzel emphasizes the idea of long hair, while the coconuts help point out the connection to coconut oil.
- Assign each of these images a location in your home. Pick out areas of your home, such as the kitchen sink, your work desk, or the top of the coffee table, and match these areas to the sections of your speech. They don't necessarily have to be related to the theme of the speech section; each section just needs to be attached to a location.[9]
- For example, the section of your speech on your experiences abroad can be assigned to your bathroom sink if you like.
- You can choose another location besides your home if you like, such as your office or the road you drive on to get to work. The location can be near or far; the choice is up to you. Ultimately, though, you should be able to navigate it well enough in your mind to find your way to your various visuals.
- Alternatively, you could also use the human body as a map. The images can be "tattooed" onto the body in your mind, and as you travel along the body, you will hit the images in order more naturally.
- Practice linking the visuals together to recall your speech. With the locations and visualizations set, you need to begin practicing your speech by relying on these visuals for guidance. As you practice, actually imagine yourself traveling from location to location, viewing each image in the order that its corresponding bullet point falls within your speech.[10]
- Construct narrative links between each mental image. For example, if your visual for the dog attack story was a bandaid and your visual for your experiences in China was a dumpling, imagine yourself putting a bandaid on in the bathroom, then walking into the kitchen to find a dumpling on the counter.
- You need to have firm links connecting one visualization to the next. If not, you might forget the order your information is supposed to land in.
EditEmploying Other Methods - Record yourself reciting the speech, if possible. While writing and speaking your speech are the 2 most important practices involved in memorizing the speech, recording the speech and playing it back for yourself can also help. This also gives you a chance to see how you actually look and sound when reciting your speech, which is also important![11]
- Use this recording to listen to your speech when you do not have the chance to practice it out loud. You can play it for yourself in the car or play it as you fall asleep, for example.
- Engage your other senses as much as you can. If certain keywords bring to mind particular sounds, smells, tastes, or touches, weave those imagined sensations into the visualization process or recall of your speech. Mental images are often the strongest sense to rely on for memory, but these other senses can still help significantly.[12]
- For instance, if you say that a certain historical event really made a bang or made a splash, you can imagine the sound of a loud bang or the sound and feeling of something heavy dropping into water.
- Create an acronym if your speech includes a list. An acronym uses the first letter of each item in the list to create a sentence or word, which can then be used to recall those first letters. The sentence or word doesn't have to be thematically related to the list, so long as you remember it![13]
- For example, you can use the acronym HOMES to recall the names of the Great Lakes in the U.S.: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior
- Memorizing the introduction of your speech can be a good idea because knowing precisely what to say at the beginning of a speech can help calm you down and ease you into the setting.
- Memorizing the conclusion is also helpful because it prevents you from accidentally falling into a concluding loop, in which you continually repeat information as you try to close.
- Don't wait until the last minute to memorize your speech. It'll be much easier to memorize when you have several days to do so instead of a few hours.
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How to Clean a Typewriter Posted: 21 Apr 2019 05:00 PM PDT Typewriters aren't just cherished devices from the past! They are still used and loved by generations both young and old. If your typewriter is an antique or used regularly, chances are it needs a good clean. Clear out all the dust first with a vacuum, a small paintbrush, and a can of compressed air. Remove dirt and grime with a damp cloth and white vinegar. Deep-clean your typewriter by unsticking sticky keys and oiling the mechanisms to keep it running smoothly. Soon your typewriter will be shiny, glossy, and looking as good as can be! EditClearing Dust - Place the typewriter on sheets of newspaper. Lay 3-4 sheets of newspaper flat on your work surface. Unlatch the carrying case and lift the typewriter onto the newspaper. This protects your work surface from any dust, dirt, or products that may drip during the cleaning process. It also makes cleaning up your work surface easier.[1]
- Alternatively, place the typewriter on an old sheet or towel.
- Not all typewriters have a carrying case.
- How often you need to dust your typewriter depends on how dirty it is and how often it's used. If you use your typewriter daily, aim for once every 2-3 weeks.
- Use a vacuum and a paintbrush to remove dust from the exterior. Getting rid of dust is one of the largest tasks of cleaning a typewriter. Hold the vacuum cleaner extension arm directly above the machine and run the paintbrush over the area. Work your way around the machine with the paintbrush and vacuum cleaner to free up and remove the dust from all of the surfaces, key faces, and crevices.[2]
- You can find a variety of small paintbrushes at craft stores. Pick one with very soft bristles.
- Alternatively, you can use a toothbrush instead of a paintbrush. However, only use a toothbrush on modern typewriters and not antiques. This is because the bristles may be too rough, which can cause paint to flake off older machines. Try to use a toothbrush labeled "very soft" if possible.
- Vacuum underneath the typewriter to remove dust from inside the machine. Lift the typewriter and rest it on its back. Use the same process of freeing the dust with the paintbrush and removing it with the vacuum cleaner. Move the carriage from side to side so that more of the inner workings are exposed. Remove the dust from these areas too.[3]
- Rest the typewriter back in its proper position once you have vacuumed underneath.
- Use a can of compressed air to dislodge any difficult to reach dust. Compressed air is the best way to reach dust that couldn't be removed with the vacuum cleaner and paintbrush. Purchase a can of compressed air from a department or home improvement store and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. Aim the nozzle directly above the area you want to reach, such as the keys, and hold down the trigger to dislodge the dust.[4]
EditRemoving Dirt and Grime - Wipe down the typewriter exterior with a damp cloth. Warm water and a drop of dish detergent are great for removing years of built-up grime. Simply add a drop of dish detergent to a cleaning cloth and wet the cloth very lightly with warm water. Gently wipe all surfaces of the typewriter with the cloth.[5]
- Be very careful if you have an antique typewriter, as the labels can come off easily.
- It's best to clean the typewriter whenever you notice dirt building up to help keep it in good condition. If you use the typewriter daily, remove the dirt and grime at least once per month.
- Dry the typewriter with a cloth. Use a dry cleaning cloth to wipe all areas of the typewriter that you cleaned with warm water and detergent. Make sure that the typewriter is completely dry.[6]
- This prevents the typewriter from rusting.
- Use white vinegar to clean any glass panels. Not all typewriters have glass panels on the side, but if yours does, then white vinegar is a great cleaning solution! Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly spray the glass panels. Then rub the glass panels with a cleaning cloth to get a shiny, glossy look.[7]
- Be careful to only get vinegar on the glass panels and not on other parts. This is because typewriters tend to be very delicate and the vinegar may lift worn paint.
- Clean the typewriter key faces with white vinegar and cotton swabs. Lightly dampen a cotton swab with white vinegar and gently rub each key face to remove dirt and grime. Replace the cotton swab as it gets dirty.[8]
- Don't scrub the key faces too harshly, as the paint may lift off.
- Clean the carrying case if the typewriter has one. The typewriter will only be as clean as the carrying case! It's easy for dirt and dust to build up in the case, so use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much as possible. Wipe down the inside and outside of the case with a damp cloth and then dry it fully with another cloth.[9]
- Don't put your typewriter back inside the case until they are both fully dry, as otherwise, mold and rust can form.
- Store the typewriter in the carrying case whenever it's not in use. The easiest way to keep a typewriter clean is to prevent dust from building up in the first place. Make a habit of putting your typewriter away whenever it's not in use so that it's protected from dust and spilled food and beverages.[10]
- If your typewriter doesn't have a carrying case, place a clean drape cloth over it for protection.
EditDeep-Cleaning the Machine - Unstick sticky keys with rubbing alcohol. Dip a toothbrush or small paintbrush in rubbing alcohol. Brush the rubbing alcohol over the metal key mechanisms and over any metal joints. If any key is particularly sticky, press down on the key face to expose that particular key mechanism. Scrub all sides of the key mechanism with the brush and rubbing alcohol to get it running smoothly again.[11]
- When scrubbing the key mechanisms, try to scrub in between each one as much as possible.
- The key mechanisms are visible at the front of the machine, just below the platen. This is the rubber roller that supports the paper in the typewriter.
- Cotton tips (which are the same as cotton swabs) can also be useful if a toothbrush or paintbrush isn't effective.
- You shouldn't need to deep-clean your typewriter very often, as it typically only needs to be deep-cleaned if you notice a problem starting. Aim to deep-clean your typewriter once every 3-4 months if you use it daily.
- Apply a firearm or machinery oil to the main internal mechanisms. A small amount of oil can make a huge difference in helping your typewriter run smoothly! Lift up the typewriter and rest it on its back. Spray a tiny amount of oil over the key mechanisms that you cleaned and over any pivotal joints. Immediately wipe any excess oil away using a clean cloth so that it doesn't clog up the joints.[12]
- Only oil the internal mechanisms once you have removed the dust with a vacuum cleaner first.
- The internal mechanisms of typewriters can look complicated. The easiest way to find the pivotal joints is to hold down the space bar, backspace key, and shift key individually, and watch from underneath to see which joints move.
- Clean the rubber platen with lacquer thinner if it has difficulty feeding. Pour a small amount of lacquer thinner onto a cleaning cloth. Rub the lacquer thinner over the platen and turn it as you work so that you reach all sides. You may need to swap the cleaning cloth halfway through if the platen is especially dirty.[13]
- The lacquer thinner removes the ink and grease from the platen, which helps it to run smoothly.
- Avoid using even mild cleaners on antique typewriters, as it is common for the paint to chip away.[14]
- If your typewriter is very old or if you don't feel confident cleaning it yourself, get it professionally cleaned. Take it to a typewriter cleaning service if you can find one or to a professional antique cleaner.
EditThings You'll Need EditClearing Dust - Newspaper, sheet, or towel
- Vacuum cleaner
- Paintbrush or toothbrush
- Can of compressed air
EditRemoving Dirt and Grime - Cleaning cloths
- Dish detergent
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Cotton swabs
- Carry case
EditDeep-Cleaning the Machine - Rubbing alcohol
- Toothbrush or small paintbrush
- Firearm or machinery oil
- Cleaning cloths
- Lacquer thinner
EditReferences Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
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How to Celebrate Easter Posted: 21 Apr 2019 09:00 AM PDT Easter is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians, but non-religious people often mark the day, too. Religiously, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Non-religious celebrations include things like brunches, family get-togethers, and activities like painting eggs. Regardless of your reasons for celebrating Easter, there are many things you can do to commemorate the day. EditMaking Easter Fun for Kids - Paint eggs. You can buy an egg painting kit at nearly any supermarket around the Easter months. Hard boil some eggs and let your children have fun decorating them for the Easter holidays.[1]
- Usually, you place dye of different colors in various cups. Eggs are then dunked in the dye to add color.
- Make sure your kids wear old clothing when decorating eggs. It can get very messy.
- Have an Easter egg hunt. An iconic part of Easter is the Easter egg hunt. You can have kids hide real boiled eggs they decorated. However, you can also fill plastic eggs with treats and hide them throughout your home.[2]
- If opting for plastic eggs, you can provide things like Cheerios and pretzels if you want healthier snacks. Religious families sometimes put Bible verses on pieces of paper in plastic eggs.
- Keep track of where you hid all the eggs, in case they are not all found by the hunters. This is especially important if you're hiding real eggs, as these will eventually start to rot.
- Some great Easter egg hunts are put on by local communities or organizations and are open for you and your family to attend. See if you can find an Easter egg hunt in your area.
- Provide Easter baskets. Easter baskets are an important Easter tradition. Young children love waking up to a basket filled with Easter goods. You can buy baskets at department stores around the holidays. Fill them with small treats like candy and small toys.
- If you're religious, try adding plastic eggs with Bible verses tucked inside.
- Snacks do not have to be unhealthy. If you want your kids to have a healthy snack, put things like fresh fruit in their Easter basket.
- You can also provide small toys instead of food-based items, like tiny plastic animals or small plush toys.
- Make rabbit-themed baked goods. The Easter bunny is an exciting part of Easter for children. Make baked goods shaped like bunnies. This can be a fun way for kids to get excited about the holiday.[3]
- You can make cut-out sugar cookies using a rabbit-shaped cookie cutter.
- Bake three cinnamon rolls. Stick two together, forming a snowman-like body, and cut the other in half. Place the two halves near one end of the cinnamon roll, making bunny ears, and then use cream cheese frosting to color your bunny white. You can use chocolate chips or blueberries for eyes.
- Decorate with your kids. Children often enjoy decorating for the holidays. Invest in small decorations at a local department store or even a dollar store. You can also look for craft tutorials online. Your kids may, for example, enjoy using construction paper or felt to make things like chicks and bunnies.[4]
- Window stickers are great for young children, as they're fun and easy to use.
- If you have an Easter Brunch or dinner, try having your kids make special placemats for everyone attending using cardboard paper.
EditCelebrating with a Secular Approach - Take a hike with family or friends. Easter often takes place as the weather starts to get warmer. If you live in an area where Easter marks the start of spring, take advantage of the warm weather to celebrate the day. Spend Easter Sunday taking a long walk or hike along a local nature trail.[5]
- If you don't live near a wooded area, you can simply take a walk through your neighborhood with family and friends. For example, instead of driving to your favorite ice cream place, walk or bike there.
- Have an Easter brunch. Many people love early afternoon brunches on Easter. You can go out to a restaurant that has an Easter brunch special. You can also have family or friends over for an Easter-themed meal.[6]
- Due to the connection with eggs, deviled eggs or scrambled eggs can be a good thematic fit to your Easter meals.
- Many people enjoy serving ham as the main dish for their Easter meal. Think about adding some side dishes such as mashed potatoes or glazed carrots.
- Try to use a spring-like color scheme. For example, use pastel plates, napkins, tablecloths, and silverware.
- Plant something to celebrate new life. As Easter falls during the spring in many parts of the world, it is seen as a celebration of life. Stop by a local greenhouse and pick up some seeds. Plant them in your yard or in a pot in your home. Growing some new flowers or other plants can help you commemorate Easter by welcoming spring.[7]
- Spend time with family and friends. Holidays are great opportunities for us to spend time with our loved ones, enjoying the time together. Most people have the day of Easter, so take advantage of that time. Make some plans with your loved ones to make your Easter together with a great one.
- For example, you and a group of friends could get together for dinner on Easter Sunday.
- Take photos each year to preserve memories. Photos can be a fun way to remember the holiday. While having brunch, dinner, or engaging in other activities, bring a camera. Take some great photos to help you remember your Easter memories for years to come.[8]
EditCelebrating with Religion - Pay attention to the significance of different days of Easter weekend. Easter is not one holiday. There is a Holy Week which leads up to the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Starting the Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday, pause to reflect on the Biblical significance of such events. If your church holds special services on these days, attend if possible.[9]
- From Palm Sunday to Holy Tuesday, Biblical stories are surrounding Christ entering Jerusalem and entering the temples there. On Holy Wednesday, Judas decided to betray Jesus, and the story of his persecution begins.
- Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, which took place between Jesus and his disciples. Good Friday is the day of Jesus's death on the cross.
- Holy Saturday and Sunday, or Easter, are the last two days of the holy week. During these days, Christ's resurrection is remembered and celebrated.
- Attend Easter services at your church. Almost every Christian church will offer an Easter service on Easter Sunday. Exactly what the service will consist of will vary depending on your church. However, attending an Easter church service can be a good way to focus on the Christian messages that accompany the holiday. Make sure to attend church on Easter morning.[10]
- If you have young children, see if there are special Sunday School classes offered on Easter Sunday. It can sometimes be difficult for children to understand the story of Christ's death due to the scary subject material. A qualified Sunday School teacher can help your child understand the meaning of Easter.
- Read the Easter story in your bible. Take some time over Easter weekend to read over the Easter story. This can be a good way to focus on the meaning behind the holiday. Reminding yourself why the holiday is celebrated can help you to engage more fully with your faith and its traditions. Much of the Easter story is found in the New Testament, covered in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.[11]
- If you have young children, see if you can find a children's Bible that details the story of Easter. This may explain Jesus's death and resurrection in terms they can easily understand.
- Discuss Jesus's sacrifice with your family. Easter is primarily a celebration of God sacrificing His only son for your sins. This is something to talk over with your family. On Easter morning or Holy Saturday, have a talk about what God's sacrifice means to you. Why are you grateful for Jesus's sacrifices, death, and resurrection?[12]
- One activity to help with this can be writing down times you've sinned on a piece of paper. Have everyone in the family do this on Holy Saturday and then gather the papers together.
- On Easter Day, do something to destroy the papers. You can, for example, burn them in a fireplace or feed them through a paper shredder. This represents Jesus saving you by erasing your sins. You can then express gratitude at Christ's sacrifice.
- Focus on the personal meaning this holiday has for you. Attending a church service or reading over the Easter story can both be great ways to focus on the meaning of the holiday. However, taking some time on your Easter Sunday to reflect on the personal meaning of the holiday can help you discover what it means to you.[13]
- Think about your religion. How has it benefited your life? What have you learned from Christianity? How have Jesus's lessons affected your actions?
- You may want to have your family answer these types of questions. For example, you could have everyone go around the table and share a time they acted in a certain way because of Christ's teachings.
- Practice some non-religious celebrations. If you are religious, not everything you do on Easter has to be specifically related to your religion. Try doing things like having an Easter brunch or doing something fun with your family, like going on a hike. This can be particularly helpful if you have non-religious relatives who want to celebrate with you.
- Find all the eggs after an Easter egg hunt or else they will begin to rot.
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