Since impromptu means without any planning or preparation, this might sound like a complete contradiction, which doesn't offer much public speaking help. But for those who have speaking experience and are good at it, this remark will probably make a lot of sense. Whether you are asked in advance to speak before an audience, or approached on the spur of a moment, it really does pay to know what to do and what to expect.
Like most things in life, if you are well prepared, having to suddenly speak off-the-cuff won't be so difficult. This doesn't mean you must have the speech prepared in advance, or even that you have any idea what you are going to say. What it does mean is in the event that you are unexpectedly asked to stand up and speak you will be able to cope with the demands.
Think about some other things you might be asked to do without prior preparation, like writing a letter or cooking a meal. If you don't know what's involved, and how to tackle the task, you won't be able to do it. But if you've often written letters and like to cook, you won't give either task a second thought. Exactly the same principle applies to impromptu public speaking.
The more you practice the easier it will get.
One of the greatest problems when giving an impromptu speech is that our thoughts are often muddled. We may know the subject matter backwards, and know far more than we have time to share, but, because we haven't prepared the speech and practiced it, it emerges as a mess of meaningless words. The obvious solution is to practice giving impromptu speeches so that you get used to being able to give order to thoughts in an instant.
This is certainly possible. In fact many experienced speakers find they are able to think better and talk more easily when they face a group than when they simply chat to an individual.
The secret is to think in an orderly manner.
Like every story or article a person writes, every speech, impromptu or not, should have a beginning and an ending. Whatever else you want to say will then follow logically from the introduction. Following a structured approach will help to order your mind.
On the positive side, if you are expected to suddenly speak off-the-cuff, chances are it will be about something you are familiar with. Usually this is because you are more likely to be called on to speak because people believe you have something valid to say. For example, in a business environment, you may be asked for your opinion about a new product, because those you work with know you have already formed an opinion. In a social situation, you might be asked to introduce someone you know well. At a parent-teachers meeting you may suddenly be called upon to say how you feel about changes of policy at the school or college.
Speaking about something you know about, and are passionate about (either in a supporting or opposing way) is always a lot easier than trying to weave a speech around something you know nothing about at all. So there is a good chance that you will feel more comfortable about an impromptu topic than a subject matter you may not be familiar with, and have to research before discussing in public.
Tim Ackerman has been a staunch enthusiast of effective communication for nearly 20 years, and loves sharing his knowledge with others. For more public speaking help click here, where you'll get access to many other helpful tips, including a FREE mini-course on effective speaking and presentation skills.
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