Speaking Spontaneously

In an impromptu speaking situation you should be aware of the relational, situational, and cultural contexts in which you are communicating (Chapter 1). This knowledge will help you tailor your speech to be appropriate and effective, whether you’re giving a toast at a friend’s wedding, surrounded by her religious family members, or at an international meeting of a professional association, surrounded by colleagues.

Impromptu speaking refers to situations where you speak to an audience without any warning or preparation. (Talk about public speaking fears!) When you are unexpectedly called on to speak in class or in a business meeting, or you are suddenly motivated to give a toast at a party, you must speak impromptu. The secret to excelling at impromptu speaking is to understand 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.

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Figure 14.5: NO PUBLIC SPEAKERS must think on their feet as much as debaters. These political candidates must not only present and defend their sides of key issues but must also anticipate and address what their opponents might say. AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

Another way to prepare for spontaneous public speaking is 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.