Memorizing a monologue is a skill that anyone can acquire. The key factors are to turn it into a story, break it down and stay relaxed. The best thing is that you have some time to learn the monologue, but even if you don't have the chance, repetition will help you remember it.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Choose an Appropriate Monologue
Step 1. Find a monologue that fits your skill level
If you are a beginner, you better not choose a terribly long one. Also look for a topic you like - it will help the memorization process.
Match the monologue to your skill level; if you're a novice actor, start with one that's short enough
Method 2 of 7: A Holistic View
Step 1. Try to memorize the story of the monologue rather than word for word
Trying to assimilate it word by word is more difficult and tiring, while memorizing the story allows you to improvise if you forget a part of it, and, moreover, it will transmit more emotion.
If you think of it as the telling of a story, everything happens for a reason, in a sequence of causes and effects, which will help you remember what comes next
Method 3 of 7: Break it down
Step 1. Read and try to memorize a small part of it every day
A long slog is usually not effective.
Step 2. Divide your speech into several parts
Write down each part on a slip of paper. Memorize a piece of paper a day until you have learned everything.
Method 4 of 7: Repeat
Step 1. Using your computer or video camera, record your voice as you read the monologue
Listen to it as often as possible, speaking at the same time.
Step 2. If you need to memorize it faster, it can be helpful to say it over and over in front of the mirror
Focus on your face, body language, expression and the clarity of your voice.
Step 3. Stay relaxed
If you're toiling hard and don't have a lot of time to memorize or decompose, the key rule is not to lose your temper. Take a sip of water, take a deep breath and relax. Start with the first sentence, read it while looking at the paper, then close your eyes and say it. Then read the same sentence again along with the next one, close your eyes and repeat them both. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Method 5 of 7: Make it Peaceful
Step 1. Study with a friend
Do whatever you can to make memorizing the monologue fun. If you get bored, you run the risk of giving up.
Method 6 of 7: Check Your Preparation
Step 1. Write what you know on a piece of paper
Read it and compare it to the real monologue.
Step 2. Recite the monologue in front of one or two people
If you get stuck, have them suggest the next word. Mark where you stopped and review it later.
Method 7 of 7: Recite the Monologue
Step 1. Before reciting the monologue, read it one more time, just to make sure you have learned everything
Step 2. Speak clearly and calmly
If the people you're acting for have never heard the monologue before, they won't understand what's going on. Don't go too slow either - you'll bore the audience.
Step 3. Enjoy the knowledge that you have done a good job
Advice
- Sleep is useful. After you've finished the day's memorizing work, taking a break and sleeping helps you retain everything you've learned. When you sleep, the brain organizes all the new information so that whatever you have learned during the day is stored and memorized.
- Try to record yourself on the phone or computer while reading the monologue, so that you can listen to it when you are in the car or have some free time that you want to use to memorize.
- Find a friend who criticizes you and observes things like: clarity, emotion, volume, etc.
