A salesman makes a list of his calls, arranges them in the best order, and fixes one with each word of the list.
A groceryman uses it for remembering the things he needs to buy for his stock.
A real estate man lists some of the places he has for sale to be able to talk about them when away from his office.
A salesman lists his selling points systematically and does not leave out any important ones.
Anecdotes and stories can be listed and easily recalled when wanted.
Points of a sermon or lecture can be quickly pictured with definite words and recalled later.
Speaking Without Notes
One of the most valuable applications of the "Hitching Post Idea" is its use for fixing in mind the points of a talk, sermon or lecture. Most of the nervousness of talking in public is caused by the fear of forgetting. It is doubt of your ability to recall the points you wish to talk about. This is easily overcome by the use of your Hitching Posts. If you wish to make five points in a talk, make a picture to remind you of each point and hitch them in turn to the first five words of a list. Review the picture a couple of times, be sure that you can recall them easily; before you are to speak, review them again.
When you are called upon, see the first word of your list and with it you will see a picture which will remind you of the first point you wish to make. The picture made with the next word of your list will suggest your next point, when you are ready for it. There is no limit; use as many words of the list as you have different points in your speech. When you have used this idea once you will never do without it; you will remember all the points of your talk and you will use them in the order you intended. Hundreds, who have never spoken in public without notes, are now doing so by the use of this method. Others, who have been able to speak without notes have been troubled by getting the points out of order or after sitting down have realized that they have omitted an important one. With this idea you can entirely overcome such a difficulty.