Impromptu Speaking

1

• Impromptu Speaking
• By
• Donald W. Larson
• AC Bronze, CL
• March 7, 2007

The Better Speaker Series
2
Feeling Put On The Spot?

• Whats more challenging than preparing to give a
  speech?

• How about giving a speech
• without advance preparation?

Click mouse to continue
3
The Triumphs And Terrors Of Table Topics

• Immediately after being asked a question, you are
  expected to give a 45 to 75 second answer that
  is
• Organized
• Coherent
• Entertaining

Click mouse to continue
4
Three Approaches To Help

• The Challenge Of Table Topics
• - Structuring a response
• Selecting A Strategy
• - Thinking of what to say
• Whatever You Do, Dont
• - Short list of things not to do

Click mouse to continue
5
The Challenge Of Table Topics

• Requires extemporaneous response

• We use it in Toastmasters meetings to practice
  for real-life situations
• - Asked/asking for directions
• - Answering the phone
• - Job interview questions
• - Talking to a customer

Click mouse to continue
6
Is There A Formula?

• We cant always anticipate a questions content
• Or predict when we will be asked to give a few
  words

• It is possible to become better prepared and
  confident to answer

Click mouse to continue
7
When Giving An Impromptu Talk

1. Listen
2. Pause
3. Confirm
4. Tell
5. End!

Well cover these points in detail
Click mouse to continue
8
Listen Responsibilities

• Dont 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

Click mouse to continue
9
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

Click mouse to continue
10
Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End

• Give your brain a chance to refresh

• Adds drama
• Acknowledge the question
• - Smile
• - Nod
• - No filler words (Ah, Um)

Click mouse to continue
11
Avoid Filler Word Click-Guilt!
Click mouse to continue
12
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
Click mouse to continue
13
Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End

• Dazzle audience with your reply!

• Stay focused on what you say
• Express only the essential points in your reply

Click mouse to continue
14
Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End!

• Dont belabor your response

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

Click mouse to continue
15
Remember The Secret Formula

1. Listen
2. Pause
3. Confirm
4. Tell
5. End!

Click mouse to continue
16
Second Step To Help

• The Challenge Of Table Topics
• - Structuring a response
• Selecting A Strategy
• - Thinking of what to say
• Whatever You Do, Dont
• - Short list of things not to do

Click mouse to continue
17
Selecting A Strategy

• Express an Opinion
• Address Cause and Effect
• Break the Topic into Components
• Discuss the Past, Present and Future

Well cover these points in detail
Click mouse to continue
18
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

Click mouse to continue
19
Strategies Address Cause And Effect

• State the situation

• Discuss causes
• Align with consequences

Click mouse to continue
20
Strategies Break Topic Into Components

• Discuss each element individually

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

Click mouse to continue
21
Strategies Discuss The Past, Present, And Future

• Establish a timeline reference

• Assess the situation over a period of time,
  consider
• Benchmarks
• Milestones
• Historical significance

Click mouse to continue
22
Selecting A Strategy Summary

• Express an Opinion
• Address Cause and Effect
• Break the Topic into Components
• Discuss the Past, Present and Future

Click mouse to continue
23
Third Step To Help

• The Challenge Of Table Topics
• - Structuring a response
• Selecting A Strategy
• - Thinking of what to say
• Whatever You Do, Dont
• - Short list of things not to do

Click mouse to continue
24
Whatever You Do, Dont

• Apologize

• - Its annoying
• Ramble
• - Avoid verbatim repetition
• Invent
• - Be sincere and honest

Click mouse to continue
25
What We Learned Today

• The Challenge Of Table Topics
• - Structuring a response
• Selecting A Strategy
• - Thinking of what to say
• Whatever You Do, Dont
• - Short list of things not to do

Click mouse to continue
26
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

Click mouse to continue
27

• Good Luck on Table Topics!

Click mouse to continue