Memorize a Monologue
No matter how long the monologue is and no matter how dodgy your memory may be, memorizing a monologue can be easy. It takes time and patience, but if you are diligent about memorizing a monologue there are tips that can help.
Instructions
1. Read and re-read the monologue. If you get the story, and the twists, turns, and voice of the speaker, it will help you catch the rhythm of the piece.
2. Break it up into chunks. Find natural breaks in the speech or thought of the character and mark on your copy. You will then be able to take the entire piece and attack it one chunk at a time.
3. Talk to yourself. Speaking the words out loud will help you visually (reading it), auditorily (hearing it), and sensually (feeling the rhythm of the words in your throat.) Try writing it out by hand as well. This way of warming up to the monologue will ingrain the words in your brain many different ways.
4. Record yourself. You can then listen to it over and over until you get the words down. Not everyone is an auditory learner. If you are, this will help. If not, go to step 5.
5. Lean on a friend. As you read over your monologue, and begin to remember each part, give your monologue to a friend. Try to recite each piece, and have the other person mark the words or phrases you mess up on. Look them over, and try again.
6. Fill your free time. The best way to keep the words in your head is to repeat them out loud every chance you get. Talk to yourself in the shower, in the car, on the treadmill, walking the dog, and taking out the trash.
