By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 09-10-2022 Show
How to prepare an impromptu speech: tips & templates to succeed Impromptu speaking can be enough to frighten even the bravest of souls. If that's you, take heart. Being asked to speak in public is a HUGE challenge for many people. And being asked to come up with a good impromptu speech on a random topic as well as speak publicly at a moment's notice can catapult the task straight into the very-difficult-to-be-avoided-at-all-times-I'd-rather-die category. I understand. However having acknowledged your fear, let me introduce you to KISS*, an effective way to turn a difficult task into great success. * KISS: Keep It Short and Sweet. What you'll find on this page:
Fall in love with impromptu speaking with KISSThe KISS (Keep It Short & Sweet) principle gives you a basic structure or formula you can apply to all sorts of occasions where you are likely to be called on to "say a few words". Like for instance: When you're asked to wrap up and conclude at business meetings. It's no problem. Or you have to give an impromptu presentation, a project update, on the spur of the moment. It's easy. Or you're asked for a brief summary of your company's latest developments and have to deal with an unexpected question. It's simple. Whatever situation where you're being asked to speak with very little, or zero prep time, KISS will serve you well. You may even grow to love making off-the-cuff speeches at short notice! The art of KISS in actionUse the time you have between being asked to speak and actually getting to your feet to plan even if it's only a couple of minutes. If you're in the middle of a social event or busy meeting find a quieter corner to concentrate. Brainstorm - collect up your ideasThe very first thing, and the easiest way to start, is to jot your notes on whatever is handy: a paper table napkin, the back of envelope, a piece of paper, index cards... Get down as many ideas as you can. You do not need the exact words - just the key points as they occur to you. Now
select ONE main point (the best or strongest) from your notes to focus on. Write that down and any opening/closing ideas. The speech structure you need is the same that you would use for any other form of speech. You need an opening, a body and a conclusion. Focus on the body of the speech firstSort the body of your speech first using which ever of the impromptu speaking templates below best suits your topic. Return to Top 7 impromptu speaking templates (frameworks)Now take that most important point you chose and expand it using one of these easy frameworks or templates. This will form the body of your speech. 1. PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point)
(Click the link to read three 1 minute speeches examples using the PREP format.) 2. Past, Present, Future
3. Cause, Effect, Remedy
4. Before, The Event, The Result
3 more useful impromptu speaking organizers are:
Would you like to see completed impromptu speech outlines using these frameworks?Click the link and you'll find examples of seven impromptu speech outline patterns: PREP, Problem-Solution, Past-Present-Future, Pros-Cons, Before-The Event-The Result, Cause-Effect-Remedy, and Local-National-International. Each comes with a free blank printable that you can download for your own use. Prepare the opening and the conclusionHaving planned the body of your speech, now focus on your opening and conclusion. Take your lead from the impromptu speaking template you've chosen. If, for example, you've chosen Past, Present, Future you might open with a comment based on time. For instance: "Thank-you for invitation to speak to you about XXXX. To place this in context I'm going to take you on a journey. Are you ready? Firstly we'll go back in time, then we'll focus on what's happening now and lastly, we'll go forward..." To close, summarize your points briefly and if possible, make your final remark the clincher. Return to Top 8 impromptu speaking delivery tips
Return to Top Six ways to effectively deal with nervousnessFirst Aid (solutions) for problems arising from anxiety What do I do if my mind goes blank?1. Firstly, never apologize.If you do, you transmit your anxiety to your audience. Without your alerting them they may never have noticed. Now you've drawn their attention to how you're feeling, at least some of them will stop thinking about you'd been talking about, and will start to focus on you personally. Will she continue? Oh my goodness, is she going to cry? 2. Remember the power of a meaningful pause.Stop if you need to. Take a pause to marshal your thoughts together. Remember time appears much slower to you. You may think you've stopped for an eternity but it's seldom perceived that way by the audience. They will think you are deeply pondering your next statement or very kindly giving them time to consider your previous point. 3. Ask for a drink of water.Explain your throat is dry. Take the time between someone fetching the water and you taking a sip, to gather your ideas. 4. Paraphrase what you've already said.It will jog your memory into providing the next point you want to make. 5. Ask for questions.Get the audience involved and then answer their questions. 6.PracticeAnd lastly, remember impromptu speaking is a skill, and like all skills, it improves with practice. Return to Top Impromptu speaking topic startersTo help you become what you want to be; an accomplished impromptu speaker, I've several pages of speech topic starters.
There's enough there for many hours of happy practice! Sticking to your goalBe kind but disciplined with yourself. If you really want to become comfortable speaking off-the-cuff, you will. However it does mean finding the courage to get through the initial discomfort of trial and possibly, error. There is no other way to learn than by doing it. Keeping it succinct & simple (KISS) will make a positive difference. Try it and see for yourself. I promise, it is doable! Commit a few of the speech organizers to memory so they're there for you to choose from when you need them. Do give this a go. It's an important skill to have in either your work or personal life. The photo is of my award for winning the impromptu speaking (table topics) competition between all the Toastmaster clubs in my area, E7, of District 72, New Zealand. It's there as proof that it's manageable.☺ Do you teach or lead a public speaking group?Check this out - One Minute Speeches! They're perfect for practicing impromptu speaking skills in a safe, non-confrontational way, and loads of fun. This is an instantly available package of printable topics + activity instructions. Have a look! And this is my latest offering for teachersA comprehensive bundle of 17 proven fun and effective impromptu speech activities, complete with full guidelines and printables. Famous last wordsThe very last words on the topic come from Mark Twain who was obviously no stranger to the concept of "pre-planned spontaneity". His famous tongue-in-cheek quote on impromptu speaking is above. Return to Top How can I be a good impromptu speaker?Winning Strategies for Impromptu Speeches. Anticipate situations where you may be called upon to speak. ... . Wrap your response around a simple template, or framework. ... . Turn your impromptu session into a Q&A session. ... . Use personal stories. ... . Avoid the tendency to go on, and on, and on. ... . Go easy on yourself.. How do you start an impromptu speech?How to Give an Impromptu Speech. Grab a pen and a piece of paper. ... . Highlight a few interesting or significant points. ... . Try to memorize key points. ... . Hijack the topic. ... . Remember you're in charge of this time. ... . Feel free to acknowledge that you have not prepared for a speech.. |