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Writing-and-Speaking
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How To Be An Effective Impromptu Speaker
By: Edward Hope
Impromptu speaking is difficult because you do not have the time to prepare and practice as you have when normally speaking in public. You can be asked to speak up without warning or you may feel compelled to make a few remarks in response to what is being said.
Unfortunately, not many people are natural impromptu speakers. Many that appear that way have developed techniques to help them to speak "off the cuff" effectively.
1. Fortunately you will be rarely asked to speak on something you know little or nothing about. However, on the rare occasions that you are asked to speak on something you know nothing about, express appreciation for the recognition received, tell the audience you know so little about the problem that you'd rather sit down before your ignorance shows. Then sit down.
2. If you have an idea that you may be asked to speak at an upcoming event, take some time beforehand to give some consideration to what you might say. You need not develop a complete speech. Concentrate on one idea only or one part of the problem to be discussed. Then if you are called upon, you can deal with that one aspect effectively. In addition, many experienced speakers build up a stockpile of phrases and remarks that can be used for most occasions.
3. If you hve not prepared anything and are put on the spot to make some remarks about a subject you are familiar with, use the following steps to deliver and impromptu speech;-
(a) Take a few moments to compose yourself. Concentrate on what you are going to say and avoid giving an internal groan. A pause at this point will indicate that you are carefully considering your response, providing you do not look panic stricken. A natural smile will help you feel more at ease. A few deep breaths can also help you relax.
(b) Decide what you think about just one aspect of the topic or problem being discussed. Choose what you feel is the most important aspect and develop your remarks around it.
(c) Make a mental note of a few important points (any more than 3 and it becomes more difficult to remember them all)
(d) Try to recall a supporting example or interesting fact or topical event connected with the points you want to illustrate.
Don't expect to give a first rate speech. Keep it brief - around 2 minutes is probably long enough. Any longer and you may start to ramble.
The skill of impromptu speaking is not a skill that many people possess naturally. Many effective speakers that appear to possess this skill have practiced and prepared something in advance to give the appearance of speaking "off the cuff." They will have built up a repertoire of remarks that they can use for most occasions that gets them started. If they have nothing prepared they may either graciously decline to speak or if they wish to speak they take a few moments to compose themselves and think through their remarks before commencing to speak.
With some practice and preparation it is possible to successfully give an effective impromptu speech.
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