Can't remember the last time I forgot

Probably the worst thing that can happen to any speaker is to have one's mind go blank in the middle of a presentation. So, regardless of your political bent, I think we can all sympathize with Rick Perry for his excruciating memory lapse during last night's Republican presidential debate.

Obviously there is little danger of memory loss when you're reading from a prepared text. But what about extemporaneous situations such as the one in which the Texas governor found himself? How do you organize your content so you can deliver it without a script or even notes?

Normally keeping the message as simple as possible and using the principle of three's makes it more memorable for you, not to mention the audience.

In this instance the message couldn't have been more simple: If elected president Perry vowed to eliminate three federal departments, each described by one word.

Commerce, Education and --

One can only picture Perry's aides frantically doing push-ups and jumping jacks in a vain attempt to help him remember --

Energy!

I think he may have been preoccupied with style rather than message. "Do I appear forceful enough, sure of myself, presidential?"

It's the same as trying to concentrate on remaining calm.

A waste of energy.