Everyone is fearful of freezing at that crucial moment and forgetting your lines - whether it be down the pub reciting a gag to your friends, or in front of a packed auditorium of eagerly expectant listeners.
So we spoke to Adam Burrage, head of Wembley Stadium tours and responsible for training the 30 tour guides that show people around the famous venue, for a few tips and tricks on remembering your material.
1. Passion
"Firstly, you have to be passionate about what you're talking about. In our case that means being passionate about football, and the stadium; it's much easier to recall things that we get enjoyment from. If you saw a great match here, or a great concert, you'll never forget it."
2. Numerical Links
"It's very useful to use numbers as an aid to memory if they link things together. For example, the World Cup Final at Wembley was on July 30 in 1966. 30 sounds like 13 - and July 13 was the date of Live Aid, in 1985."
3. Repetition and Recreation
"We take the tour 3 or 4 times a day. Each time you do it, you're going to reinforce those core facts that the tour is built around. If possible, try and recreate the same scenario you're going to be in when you do it for real. If speaking, verbalise what you're going to say, don't just write it down."
4. Visual Stimulii
"Try and attach a story to a visual, and if you get stuck you can look at that, which will trigger the memory. For example, on our tour, a good 'safety' visual is the TV gantry - when I look at that it sparks off different facts associated with it: where it is located, how many people work there, where the players are interviewed after the game and so on."
5. Have a Plan B
"If you really do hit a blank, make sure you have some backup stories: anecdotes or embellishments that can buy you time. Always have something in reserve."
(Image: All Star)
To book a tour of our famous national stadium visit Wembleystadium.com or call 0844 800 2755 .
