Speaking Spontaneously

Page 292

Impromptu speaking refers to situations where you speak to an audience without any warning or preparation. When you are unexpectedly called on to speak in class or suddenly motivated to give a toast at a party, you must speak impromptu. The secret to excelling at impromptu speaking is understanding that it’s never entirely spontaneous; if you are always prepared to give a speech unexpectedly, no speech is entirely unexpected. One major aspect of preparation is the ability to think on your feet: when called on to speak unexpectedly, begin by first acknowledging the person who introduced or called on you, and then repeat or rephrase the question or issue. This will give you a moment to focus on the topic and quickly construct a plan. Usually you’ll want to choose a simple format easily applied to the topic, such as noting advantages and disadvantages or cause and effect. Another way to prepare for spontaneous public speaking is by listening to others. Determine if you have some personal application of a point or an example that a speaker has made that either substantiates or refutes another speaker. Most audiences enjoy hearing speakers tell a brief story that illustrates a point that another speaker made or a theme that an event uses.