How to Master Impromptu Speaking
Sometimes the most dreaded “presentation” that people tell me they dislike the most, is impromptu speaking. They fear of stumbling on words, sounding dumb, and drawing a blank when they are called upon to give an opinion. There is something about unplanned presentations, which makes people want to crawl under the table and hide. Believe me; you are not alone if you would like to become invisible when all eyes are on you to speak. I get many requests from my clients to help with this skill (and it truly is a skill). But let me assure you that you can develop it, if you are not at the level you wish to be. Here are some pointers:
1. Anticipate the questions. If you able to think about the questions that may come your way because you are the expert in the area, try to anticipate these questions and formulate a short (rather than long) response with no more than three bullet points.
2. Always think about the audience. What do they know about the topic? What is important to them? How can you provide value to them? You will be a lot more persuasive if you can show what is in it for them. In business, this often means talking about the bottom line, how to keep customers happy, success in the business, ways to increase productivity and have more time, etc. Your opinion should include the benefits to your audience. This will be the main topic of your response.
3. Once you have established the main topic, find no more than three supporting points to back up your main topic. Remember not to make it a dissertation but rather a brief, concise message. If your audience wants more information, they can ask you later.
4. Finally, pull it all together with a summary of what you just said. Repeat it.
This exercise of learning to speak articulately on the spot reminds me of Table Topics in a Toastmasters club I used to attend. First, let me say that Toastmasters is a speaking club where people learn to become better speakers by giving more speeches. Since everyone is in the same boat (desiring to be a better speaker), the support and comaraderie are great! You will not find inattentive listeners or hecklers because the environment is one of encouragement.
“Table Topics” is an exercise in practicing impromptu speaking. Someone leads the group with a topic and asks people their opinion. You don’t know the question until it is asked and you are called upon to answer. It can be terrifying but again, the supportive nature of this organization is a terrific place to practice getting better at this skill.
There are many toastmaster clubs around in every city. Many larger organizations have their own private Toastmasters Club. Check with your organization. If you don’t have one, you can start one. Or you can find a local public organization to join.
I was looking at YouTube videos this week and found this fun example of Fran Drescher being taken into a predetermined situation (that she was unaware of) and asked to play along with the situation. It is a humorous example of impromptu speaking which she does beautifully. I was struck by how well she responded and that her speech didn’t contain word fillers.
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Tags: clearly speaking, compelling presentations, executive leaders speaking, fear of speaking, impromptu speaking, making points concisely, polished speaking, presentations, speaking, table topics, toastmasters