What should a speaker do if they forget their main point during a speech?

Taking a moment to pause and recenter thoughts is an effective strategy for a speaker who forgets their main point during a speech. This approach allows the speaker to collect themselves and regain focus without causing unnecessary confusion or disruption. A brief pause can create a sense of calm, giving the speaker time to think through their points and decide on the best way to proceed.

In addition, a pause can also enhance audience engagement. It invites listeners to process what has been said, and it shows that the speaker values clarity and coherence in their message. Being composed in such situations can also convey confidence and professionalism to the audience.

While repeating what was just said could create redundancy and might not help in recalling the main point, ignoring the issue could lead to incoherence or ineffectiveness in delivering the speech. Asking the audience for help may shift the focus away from the speaker’s intention and could put them in an awkward situation. Thus, the best strategy is to take a moment to pause, which allows the speaker to reorient themselves effectively.