TED speaker and curator Chris Anderson suggests if you present your speech half-memorized you are in the "valley of awkwardness." You don't know exactly what to say and you grasp for every word. Instead, if you don't have your speech fully memorized, present from bullet points on note cards. Focus on creating and remembering your transitions between bullet points.
De-awkwardly,
Tim Wilson
Professional Speech Coach
Free speaking tips at: http://speakingquicktips.blogspot.com
