A Few Words On Impromptu Speaking
Posted on March 2, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking
For the ‘newbie,’ being asked to stand up and give a short speech or presentation can be one of the most nerve-wracking moments he’ll ever have.
So what do you do to keep from drowning in sweat or turning into jello from shaking?
Rule Number One: first, take a moment to compose yourself. During this moment, focus on one message you’d like to deliver.
For instance, if you’re at a luncheon meeting and you’re asked to stand up and introduce yourself and your company, that’s going to be a fairly easy thing to do, assuming you are able to articulate a few words about yourself and your company!
It could be a bit more difficult, though. Perhaps you’re asked to comment on you or your company’s position on an important local issue. This does require a bit more thought, but follow rule number two.
And Rule Number Two is to focus on just one topic. Remember, you’re not there to give a speech, just a few remarks. Your remarks might last a couple of minutes at best. So pick out one thing you feel is important - even if it’s obvious - and deliver that comment, with a few follow up supporting comments.
Rule Number Three: Give your idea some structure. Depending on how much time you’re able to speak - you might ask the person who called on you how much time you can take - do some ‘mental organization’ of your impromptu speech.
Rule 3.1: For instance, the ‘Rule of Three’s’ is something that research has show is very effective. Break your main topic into three sub-topics. Why three? Because four is too many for to remember, two isn’t enough for people to think you really covered anything of significance. Three is the optimum number of ideas anyone can remember from your speech.
Rule 3.2: Another organization outline you might easily use is the ‘Cause and Effect‘ approach. If you are commenting on a subject where you can show a ‘before and after’ scenario you can use the ’cause and effect’ approach.
Rule 3.3: Give Examples. If you can think of any example that vividly supports your point, use it.
Rule Four: Don’t expect to be perfect! Impromptu speaking is a learned skill. Rarely is it a gift
So here’s the last - Rule Five: Practice. If you pick a few topics, get a stopwatch and practice giving impromptu speeches at home or in another safe area where you’re allowed to flub, stumble, stutter and lose your train of thought. Pick a wide variety of topics - news, family, local issues, ancient history, personal history, whatever - and give yourself two minutes on each topic.
If you can record yourself with an audio recorder or even a video camera, do it. When you review you’ll pick out weak areas which you’ll work to avoid next time, as well as the stronger points in your presentation that you can enhance.
Next time you’re called on - and who knows, it might be tomorrow! - you’ll have a little better idea of how to make it through a daunting experience. The more you do it, the less daunting it’ll be. The opportunities for ‘unprepared speeches’ are countless. Take them on with grace and a smile!
Tim ‘Gonzo’ Gordon is a 25-year radio veteran and long time internet writer and marketer in Salem, Oregon. Tim operates a website that focuses on home digital recording at http://www.digitalaudioworld.com
He’s also written a multi-media ‘how- to-podcast’ manual at http://www.podcastingadventuresonline.com
In addition, Tim hosts four popular podcasts, including the new Communication Steroids Podcast at http://communicationsteroids.com and the Design To Sell Podcast with Roger C. Parker.
Tags: impromptu speaking, off the cuff speaking, presentations, public speaking
Related Posts
- End Your Fear Of Public Speaking Today
- How Much Spanish Do You Really Need?
- Improve Your Presentation Skills And Beat The Fear Of Public Speaking With The Right Support
- Use the Right Words to Get a Better Response
- Sorry - I Did Not Mean To Say That
Comments
Leave a Reply
