TOP TIPS FOR IMPROMPTU SPEECHES

Impromptu Speeches

Pulling off a good impromptu speech is quite a coup. Its success rests with your audience believing your words to be unscripted. Unprepared. Unrehearsed.

In fact the opposite is true. Your good impromptu speech requires more effort; effort to make it sound unpolished, truthful and energetic.

Pointers for good impromptu speeches

There are 3 main pointers for a good impromptu speech:

1. Stick to the basics. Aim for a solid beginning. You can reference a date, a person or a place. Then you can set your subject into this context.

Keep to your three main points. Ensure that each of them is self-standing. Use dynamic verbal imagery and the active tense to reinforce your responsibility.

Your speech's conclusion should bring everything together–wrap up, re-define, re-emphasise and confirm.

2. Build understanding. Don't leave your audience in the dark. If you want them to understand something then spell it out. If you want them to do something then ask them to do it.

3. Pace and pauses. Be alert to your pace and pauses. You want your audience to follow you and remain engaged. With a slower delivery pace you can aim for your audience to reflect on your words and be prepared for your next point.

So, the secret to a good impromptu speech? Preparation.

For more skills tips, you can always attend a PresentPerfect presentation training course.

"If I am to speak ten minutes, I need a week for preparation; if fifteen minutes, three days; if half an hour, two days; if an hour, I am ready now."

Woodrow Wilson