Words: 1495
While many of us do not like to speak in front of people, there are times when we are asked to get up and say a few words about someone or a topic when we have not planned on saying anything at all. We are more shocked than anyone else. Has this ever happened to you? If and when this does happen to you, be prepared to rise to the challenge. Below are some tips you can use the next time you are called on to speak. C] Decide quickly what your one message will be – Keep in mind you have not been asked to give a speech but to make some impromptu remarks.
Hopefully they eave asked you early enough so you can at least jot down a few notes before you speak. If not, pick ONE message or comment and focus on that one mall Idea. Many times, other Ideas may come to you after you start speaking. If this happens, go with the flow and trust your instincts. D Do not try and memorize what you will say – Trying to memorize will only make you more nervous and you will find yourself thinking more about the words and not about the message. Гњ Start off strong and with confidence – If you at least plan your opening statement, this will get you started on the right foot.
After all, just like with any formal speech, getting started is the most difficult. Plan what your first sentence will be. You may even write this opening line down on your note card and glance at it one more time Just before you begin speaking. If you know you have three points or Ideas to say, Just start off simple by saying, “l would just like to talk about 3 points”. The first point is… The second point is… And so on. 0 Decide on your transitions from one point to the other – After you have decided on your opening remark or line, come up with a simple transition statement that takes you to your mall point.
If you have more than one point to make, you can use a natural translator such as, “My second point Is… Or my next point is… ” Etc. Just list on your note card or napkin, if you have to, the main points or ideas. Do not write out the exact words, but Just the points you want to mention. 0 Maintain eye contact with the audience – This Is easier to do if you do not write down all kinds of stuff to read. Look down at your next Idea or thought and maintain eye contact with your audience and speak from your heart. Focus on communicating TO your audience and not speaking AT the crowd.
Occasionally Throw in an off-the- cuff remark – Because you want your style to be flexible and seem impromptu, trust your Instinct and add a few words which Just pop Into your head. Keep It conversational and think of the audience as a group of your friends. D Finally, have a good conclusion – Gracefully Just state, “And the last point I would like to make is Once you have made your last point, you can then turn control back to the person who asked you to speak In the first place. With a little practice, this process will feel more natural to you.
Anticipating that you MAY be asked to say a few words should Orca you to at least think about what you might say if you are asked. Then if you ARE asked, you are better prepared because you anticipated being asked. This is much better than thinking they won’t ask you and they actually do! Impromptu Speech An impromptu speech will unnerve the best public speaker. One of the most 1 OFF notice. When caught off guard, many people can suffer extreme anxiety about speaking off the cuff. That’s why smart people are always prepared.
Teachers will sometime assign impromptu speeches based on homework assignments. While this may seem like a cruel trick from a student’s point of view, it is actually great reparation for life. With Little or No Time to Prepare An Impromptu or Unexpected Speech Rarely will you be asked to stand and deliver a speech with no warning and no time to organize your thoughts. This would be unusual in the classroom, unless the teacher is attempting to make a point about the importance of preparedness. Nonetheless, at some point in your life you may be asked to speak without notice.
There are a few things you can do to avoid panic and embarrassment. 1. Grab a pen and a piece of paper, whether it is a napkin, envelope, or the back of a piece of paper you have on hand. 2. Feel free to acknowledge that you have not prepared or a speech. Do this in a professional way! This should not be an attempt to garner pity, but rather a way to put yourself and your audience at ease. Then, excuse yourself for a moment and take time to Jot down a quick outline. Zone out the audience. They will be okay chatting and sipping water for a minute. 3.
Jot down interesting or significant points about your topic, which will be related in some way to the event you’re attending. If it is a homework assignment you are addressing, for instance, write down your impression of the assignment or anecdotes about your time spent on it. Was it difficult? Why? Did you run into any road blocks during this assignment? Did you have the material you needed? Did your little brother interrupt you several times? If you do nothing else, write down an introductory sentence and an ending sentence. Your ending line is particularly important.
If you can walk away gracefully, your speech will be a success. Keep your zinger for last. 4. Hijack the topic. Your goal is to deliver a one-sided conversation, off the cuff, so you are in complete control. Relax and make it your own. If you want to make this a funny story about your pesky little brother who always bothers you during homework time, then do it. Everyone will applaud your effort. 5. Begin with your introductory sentence, elaborate, then start working your way to your ending sentence. Fill in the middle space with as many points as you can, elaborating on each one as you go.
Just concentrate on the zinger you’ve reserved for the end. 6. As you deliver your speech, concentrate on diction and tone. If you are thinking about this, you are not thinking about the eyes watching you. This really works! Your mind can’t think about too many things at once, so think about enunciating your words and controlling your tone, and you’ll maintain more control. Impromptu Speech In Fifteen Minutes Often you will have some time to prepare for a speech, even if it is fifteen minutes. The most important thing you can do during your preparation time is write an outline.
Your speech should be informative, naturally, but a really good speech will also evoke some emotion in your audience. As you plan your speech, consider whether you want to convince, inspire, amuse, or enlighten your audience. 1. Examine your topic. Does it lend itself well to a comparison? Examples? A demonstration? Decide on one method and begin your outline. 2. Consider your Identify your strengths to help organize your thoughts. For instance, if your impromptu topic concerns dress codes in school, you may want to Joke about your own wardrobe during your introduction, then re-visit that thought during your ending.
However, you may be more comfortable expressing your opinion to others. If so, don’t try to be funny. Pick a style that suits your personality. 3. Make an outline. Think of several points and organize them. Keep a great line for the ending. If you do nothing else, write down an introductory sentence and an ending sentence. 4. Practice your beginning and your ending. These are the most stressful parts of your speech, and the most critical when it comes to good delivery. When you are comfortable with your beginning and ending, then practice your body.
List several points and find ways to elaborate on each one. 5. Give yourself a minute or two to relax. Wrap up your practice at least a few minutes before you speak. Give yourself time to reflect and relax. 6. As you deliver your speech, concentrate on diction and tone. If you are thinking about this, you are not thinking about the eyes watching you. This really works. Your mind can’t think about too many things at once, so think about enunciating your words and controlling your tone, and you’ll maintain more control.