Impromptu Speaking

The Better Speaker Series

By Olena Rodina

Feeling Put On The Spot?

What’s more challenging than preparing to give a speech?

How about giving a speech…without advance preparation?

The Triumphs And Terrors Of Table Topics

Immediately after being asked a question, you are expected to give a 2 minute answer that is:- Organized- Coherent- Entertaining

Every day off-the-cuff speaking opportunities

Three Approaches To Help

Applying Impromptu Speaking Tactics- Structuring a response

Selecting A Strategy- Thinking of what to say

Whatever You Do, Don’t…- Short list of things not to do

Impromptu Speaking Tactics -

Is There A Formula? We can’t always anticipate a

question’s content… Or predict when we will be

asked “to give a few words”

It is possible to become better prepared and confident to answer

There is A Formula !

When Giving An Impromptu Talk

1.Listen2.Pause3.Confirm4.Tell5.End!

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End Don’t just hear, be attentive

Use what you listened to as part of your response:- Resist speaking until ready- Focus on what was said- Agree/disagree with question

Listen: Advantages

According respect:- Give respect by listening- Gain respect in return

Ready-made dialog:- Use what you heard in replying- Directly comment on question

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End Give your brain a chance to

refresh Adds drama Acknowledge the question:

- Smile- Nod- No filler words (“Ah”, “Um”)

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End Repeat question out loud:

- Give your mind a chance to absorb concept

- Verify the topic, in case you misunderstood the question

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End Dazzle audience with your

reply! Stay focused on what you say

Express only the essential points in your reply

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End! Don’t belabor your response

Bring your comments to a close:- Summarize your main point- Smile at the conclusion- Make final eye contact- Sit down!

Remember The Secret Formula

1.Listen2.Pause3.Confir

m4.Tell5.End!

Selecting A Strategy- Thinking of what to

say Express an Opinion Address Cause and Effect Break the Topic into

Components Past, Present and Future

Just 3 or 4 points to make during your speech

Strategies: Express An Opinion

State your opinion Pro/Con, justify your position:

- One item of support to answer a question

- Two or three items of support if responding to a speech

Strategies: Address Cause And Effect

State the situation Discuss causes Align with consequences

LOGICAL FLOW

Strategies: Break Topic Into Components

Discuss each element individually

Describe elements by their:- Differences- Difficulty- Relative importance

Strategies: Discuss The Past, Present, And Future

Establish a timeline reference:- Assess the situation over a

period of time, consider:- Benchmarks- Milestones- Historical significance

Selecting A Strategy Summary

Express an Opinion Address Cause and Effect Break the Topic into

Components Discuss the Past, Present and

Future

Whatever You Do, Don’t… Short list of things not to do

Apologize

- It’s annoying Ramble

- Avoid verbatim repetition

Invent- Be sincere and

honest

What We Learned Today

Impromptu Speaking Tactics - Structuring a response

Impromptu Speaking Strategy- Thinking of what to say

Whatever You Do, Don’t…- Short list of things not to do

Wrap-up To think on your feet is a

good habit to cultivate It takes time and effort to

establish these habits Practice these basic

concepts to accept the challenge of “Impromptu Speaking”