Smart Talking

KALMARTESIOSeptember 26, 2014

Public Speaking

• 2 Messages in a Speech:– Message delivered by speaker– Message received by listener

• How message is received by audience:– Depends on Verbal Message (what speaker says)– Depends on Non-Verbal Message (how it is said)

• Goal of Speaker--intended message is clearly communicated

“It takes three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”

-Mark Twain

Impromptu Speech

An impromptu speech will unnerve even the best public speaker. One of the most daunting experiences a person can face is the request to deliver a speech without notice.

Impromptu speech for a school or college assignment

Impromptu speech for an unexpected occasion

What are the benefits of giving impromptu speeches?

Improve your oral expression of thought

Develop your communication skills

Develop confidence in public speaking

Learn to “Think on Your Feet”

What to do when asked to give an

impromptu speech

1. Listen

2. Prepare

3. Relax

4. Act Confidently

5. Speak slowly and smoothly

6. Focus

1. Listen

a. Listen carefully to the question / speech topic.

b. Make sure you understand the topic.

c. Ask for the question to be repeated.

This ensures that you understand it.

It also gives you a little more time to prepare.

2. Prepare!

What? Impromptu = No Preparation, right?

You may be given a short time to collect your thoughts.

If not, as you are walking from your seat to the front, use

this time to prepare as much as possible.

Whatever time you have, use it to prepare an outline.

• Speech Topic• INTRODUCTION

Specific Purpose Statement: ______________• BODY

– Point 1: _______________________________ Support 1: ____________________________Support 2: ____________________________ Support 3: ____________________________ Short Summary of point 1:

– Point 2: _______________________________ Support 1: ____________________________ Support 2: ____________________________ Support 3: ____________________________ Short Summary of point 2:

– Point 3: _______________________________Support 1: ____________________________ Support 2: ____________________________ Support 3: ____________________________ Short Summary of point 3:

• CONCLUSIONSummarize why your answer is the best: __________

a. PREPARE an opening sentence.

Consider repeating the question / topic.

You may want to reword it slightly.

This shows that you understand the question.

It also shows some originality on your part.

Topic:

Should the government regulate cigarette

smoking?

A possible introduction:

“This afternoon, I would like to tell you why I

believe the government should regulate cigarette

smoking.”

b. PREPARE the main points.

Depending on:

the topic,

how much time you are given to speak,

and your knowledge of the subject,

come up with 2 or 3 main points.

Don’t try to think of more than 3 main points.

You will probably just overwhelm yourself!

c. PREPARE the conclusion.

You can briefly restate your main points, and how

they support your position on the topic.

Should the government regulate cigarette smoking?

“So, I believe that due to the negative health effects

on individuals – as well as the cost to society – our

government should regulate cigarette smoking.”

For example, have a “pre-formulated” conclusion.

“So, I believe that due to “fill in main point #1

here” – as well as “fill in main point #2 here” – “fill in

restated topic here”.

“So, I believe that due to the negative health effects

on individuals – as well as the cost to society – our

government should regulate cigarette smoking.”

Remember, an impromptu speech is almost always a persuasive speech.

Consequently, the reasons you give in support of your conclusion must be logical and make good sense.It may be difficult to come up with statistics and quotations. But if you can recall some facts or a good analogy, make sure to use them!

3. Relax

Take 1 or 2 deep breaths before starting to speak.

Pause briefly before speaking.

Tell yourself that you can be successful.

4. Act Confidently

Look at the audience and smile.

Stand with good posture.

Don’t fidget.

Don’t grab onto the lectern.

Don’t put your hands in your pockets.

5. Speak Slowly and Smoothly

This gives you time to think as you speak.

Your audience will be able to listen to you better.

This helps you reduce fillers (umms and aahs)

6. Focus

Focus on your subject.

Be brief.

Use the speech techniques you have learned,

especially maintaining good eye contact.

Impromptu Speaking Tips

Giving a Speechwith

Little Preparation

Organize the Message

• Identify Purpose and Goal– Why a speech?– What do you hope to accomplish?– Inform? Persuade? Instruct?

• Identify Central Idea– Must be relevant to audience: Why should they

listen?– Not overly broad

Select Purpose & Central Idea

• Choose 2-3 Points– Reinforce your Central Idea– Highlight Central Idea through Examples

**IMPORTANT**

• Plan Intro & Conclusion– Intro audience to topic– Reiterate Central Idea at end– EASY TO OVERLOOK CONCLUSION

Step 1

Write down what first comes up in your mind.

A rhetorical questionA valueA quotationA practical exampleA solution for a problemA challenge for your class matesThat first idea leads you to a specific speech statement

- your thesis - to the point you want to make.

Step 2Provide two or three points that support

your statement or thesis. ReasonsFactsStatisticsWays how-to-do-itPersonal experiences or solutions

Step 3Provide couple of supports for each

point. Two is okay. Three is best

Bottom-line: The supports have to prove the points, and the points have to prove the statement of your impromptu speech topics.

Select Purpose & Central IdeaExample

Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience that online voting should not be approved.

Central Idea: We should not approve online voting because it will increase voter fraud and disfranchise voters without Internet access.

Scripting Body of Speech Choose 2-3 Main Points

• Balance Main Points

• Distinguish Sub-points

• Use Stories & Examples

Scripting Body of Speech Organize Main Points• Chronological

Narrate a sequence of events, explain a process

• SpatialFollow a directional pattern--top to bottom, left to right

• Causal or Problem-SolutionShows a cause-effect relationship or issue-resolution

• TopicalDivides into sub-topics

Organization patternsPast-Present-Future.Time.Problem-Solving.Location.Cause-Effect.Effect-Cause.Related Subtopics.Advantage-Disadvantage.

Transitions

First, second, third…Now that you understand the problem, I

want to tell you about a solution…In contrast to…; Similar to the first point…Maybe you are wondering….

Show relationship between language, cue audience and enhance flow of speech

• Introduction– Get Attention!– State your purpose– Relate to your audience– Establish credibility– Preview your main points

• Conclusion– Cue the end– Review your main points or central idea– Vivid ending

Plan Introduction & Conclusion

Final Tips on Delivery

• Don’t rush your introduction• Make eye contact with your audience

before you begin to speak• Smile, look happy to be here• Pause at transitions• Sell this topic as exciting

Tips to Avoid Panic and Embarrassment• Grab a pen and a piece of paper.• Jot down interesting or significant points.• Feel free to acknowledge that you have not

prepared for a speech.• Hijack the topic.• Begin with your introductory sentence,

elaborate, then start working your way to your ending sentence.

• As you deliver your speech, concentrate on pronunciation and tone. intelligibility

What If You Draw a Blank?

• Pretend like you're pausing on purpose. – Walk back and forth slowly, as if you're letting your

last point sink in.

• There is always a joker or popular person who will stand out in the crowd. Stare at someone and try to draw a response from him or her while you think.