How to Banish Impromptu Speaking Blues

Impromptu speaking can be enough to frighten even the bravest of souls. So if that's you, take heart. Being asked to speak in public is a huge challenge for many. But being asked to speak spontaneously as well as publically may put the task firmly in the very-difficult, to-be-avoided-at-all-times-I'd rather-die category.

So having acknowledged your fear let's KISS it better!
The KISS principle (Keep It Succinct & Simple) will give you a formula applicable to all impromptu speaking occasions.

Asked to give a few words to conclude a business meeting? No problem.
Have to make a presentation on the spur of the moment? Easy.
You're asked for a quick summary of your company's latest developments..Simple.
Whatever the purpose of your impromptu speaking, KISS will serve you well.

The Art of Kiss in Impromptu Speaking

Use the time you have between being asked to speak and actually getting to your feet to plan even if it's only a few minutes. If you're in the middle of a social event or busy meeting find a quieter corner to concentrate.
Jot your notes on whatever is handy - a paper table napkin, the back of envelope...

• Point: The main point I wish to make is that impromptu speaking is an extremely valuable skill to have.
• Reason: Being able to speak easily in public is empowering.
• Example: I can remember the struggle to overcome the fear of standing to speak in front of others but that is a dim and distant memory compared to the personal satisfaction I experience today. I am more confident, more vibrant, more alive...more willing to take risks...to learn.
• Point: When a person is personally empowered to speak for themselves and others, they are stonger...

• In the past the answer to the problem we face was...
• As of now, we have XXXXX answers to the problem...
• In the future we predict we will have XXXXX answers to the problem...

• The cause of the problem facing us today is XXXX.
• The effect of the problem is XXXX.
• The remedy for the problem is XXXX.

• Before Napier City was an small provincial town filled with ordinary people leading ordinary lives.
• Then in 1931 the earthquake (The Event) struck.
• The result was devastation. The town was destroyed and people killed but out of the ruins there rose one of world's finest Art Deco centers.

• Go slow! Hurrying will increase any feelings of unease you have. Take your time. Breathe deeply. Get up from your chair slowly. Walk to the front calmly.



• Take your time to begin. Look around, smile. Make eye contact with one or two people in the room.



• Stand tall. Make sure you are standing on both feet about a shoulder width apart. Resist the urge to slump or fiddle or put your hands in your pockets. And remember to breathe!
  (If you're a person who holds your breath under stress click here for easy-to- use breathing exercises to rid yourself of anxiety.)



• Use your notes as reminders only. Do not try to remember a whole speech. If you forget you'll get anxious. Instead move through the points you noted making clear transitions between each.



• Assume your impromptu speaking is a conversation with a friend. This will keep your language natural and flowing.



• Avoid using vocabulary unfamiliar to your audience. Keep it on their level.



• Personalise your speech. Use examples from your own experience. This works on two levels. Firstly, it lets the audience see you as a real person and secondly, it gives you authority or a right to speak on the subject. You become credible.



• Keep it short and to the point. An audience is far more likely to listen if you stay on target and are succinct. In fact they'll love you for it!

• Firstly, never apologise. If you do you transmit your anxiety to your audience.



• Remember the power of the pause. Take the time you need to marshal your thoughts together.Remember time appears slower to you. You may think you've stopped for an eternity. It's seldom perceived that way by the audience. They will think you are pondering your next statement or giving them time to consider your previous point.



• Ask for a drink of water. Explain your throat is dry. Take the time between someone fetching it and you taking a sip to gather your ideas.



• Paraphrase what you've already said. It will jog your memory into providing the next point you want to make.



• Ask the audience if they have any questions they'd like you to answer.

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.write-out-loud.com