Impromptu Speaking By Donald W. Larson AC Bronze, CL March 7, 2007 The Better Speaker Series

Feeling Put On The Spot? Click mouse to continue  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 Click mouse to continue  Immediately after being asked a question, you are expected to give a 45 to 75 second answer that is: -Organized -Coherent -Entertaining

Three Approaches To Help Click mouse to continue  The Challenge Of Table Topics -Structuring a response  Selecting A Strategy -Thinking of what to say  Whatever You Do, Don’t… -Short list of things not to do

The Challenge Of Table Topics Click mouse to continue  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

Is There A Formula? Click mouse to continue  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

When Giving An Impromptu Talk Click mouse to continue 1.Listen 2.Pause 3.Confirm 4.Tell 5.End! We’ll cover these points in detail

Listen: Responsibilities Click mouse to continue  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 Click mouse to continue  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 Click mouse to continue  Give your brain a chance to refresh  Adds drama  Acknowledge the question: -Smile -Nod -No filler words (“Ah”, “Um”)

Avoid “Filler Word Click-Guilt!” Click mouse to continue

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End Click mouse to continue  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 Click mouse to continue  Dazzle audience with your reply!  Stay focused on what you say  Express only the essential points in your reply

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End! Click mouse to continue  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 Click mouse to continue 1.Listen 2.Pause 3.Confirm 4.Tell 5.End!

Second Step To Help Click mouse to continue  The Challenge Of Table Topics -Structuring a response  Selecting A Strategy -Thinking of what to say  Whatever You Do, Don’t… -Short list of things not to do

Click mouse to continue Selecting A Strategy  Express an Opinion  Address Cause and Effect  Break the Topic into Components  Discuss the Past, Present and Future We’ll cover these points in detail

Strategies: Express An Opinion Click mouse to continue  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 Click mouse to continue  State the situation  Discuss causes  Align with consequences

Strategies: Break Topic Into Components Click mouse to continue  Discuss each element individually  Describe elements by their: -Differences -Difficulty -Relative importance

Strategies: Discuss The Past, Present, And Future Click mouse to continue  Establish a timeline reference: -Assess the situation over a period of time, consider: -Benchmarks -Milestones -Historical significance

Click mouse to continue Selecting A Strategy Summary  Express an Opinion  Address Cause and Effect  Break the Topic into Components  Discuss the Past, Present and Future

Third Step To Help Click mouse to continue  The Challenge Of Table Topics -Structuring a response  Selecting A Strategy -Thinking of what to say  Whatever You Do, Don’t… -Short list of things not to do

Click mouse to continue Whatever You Do, Don’t…  Apologize -It’s annoying  Ramble -Avoid verbatim repetition  Invent - Be sincere and honest

What We Learned Today Click mouse to continue  The Challenge Of Table Topics -Structuring a response  Selecting A Strategy -Thinking of what to say  Whatever You Do, Don’t… -Short list of things not to do

Click mouse to continue 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”

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