So that's why Cherrytrees and 172s make such ggigantic circuits - they're all reading their checklists!
Checklists are inappropriate for small aeroplanes - and on big aeroplanes they are used (as their name implies) as a check - that the the item has been done, not as a 'shopping list' of things to do.
Externals are obvious (once you are familiar with the aeroplane) and don't need a checklist.
Internals - start at the left lower side of the cockpit and work your way round.
In flight: this is the last place yoiu should be reading a checklist. And certainly not in the circuit. Look outside all the time (with brief glances to the panel), memorise the checks, and don't do innapprpriate ones (e.g. gear down in a fixed gear plane). If you do, the day you fly a retractable you'll chant "gear down" just like you've been doing for years - and do nothing else, just like you've been doing for years. Humans are creatures of habit.
Apply brain, not rote.
SSD.