1、SPEECHCRAFT - IMPROMPTU SPEAKING Speaking Without PreparationWhat are the benefits of effective impromptu speaking skills? Improve oral expression of thought Develop confidence in public speaking Think quickly on your feet Develop leadership and communication skillsTechniques to Delivering a Better
2、Impromptu SpeechThe following techniques can help to give you more confidence in giving impromptu speeches and that will inturn reduce any nerves or butterflies you might have at the time. Give yourself time to prepareTake deep breathsRise slowly from your chair and walk slowly to the lectern (or st
3、and behind and away from your chair)Use this time to collect your thoughts and decide on the purpose and plan of your speechThink about the opening sentenceRemember: You dont have to start the speech immediately Feel confidentLook around at audience and smile. Stand tall.Dont slump, dont fidget, don
4、t grasp the lectern, dont put hands in your pocketsSpeak and act in a confident manner Slow deliveryGives you time to think aheadThe audience has time to absorb and react to what you are sayingHelps you reduce umms and ahhs FocusKeep the focus on the subject while talkingDont think of any negatives
5、(eg being unprepared)Talk directly to the audience and adapt to their feedbackMaintain good eye contact with the audienceBe brief and to the pointDont ramble or say too much on the subjectSpeak at the audiences levelSpeech Structure - Opening, Body and ConclusionAn impromptu speech is simply a mini-
6、speech and therefore it has an Opening, a Body and a Conclusion.Opening Open by addressing the Chairman or Master of Ceremonies eg Mister/Madam Chairman Brief introduction/opening sentence attention gettingBody Cover the main points (Try to find 1 or 2 central themes ) Use clearly worded simple sent
7、ences and try to link the themesConclusion Be brief and look for an elegant closing that links back to the opening End by acknowledging the Chairman or Master of CeremoniesSources of Content PersonalizeThis is the subject you know most aboutAudience can relate more easily to personal topics - they p
8、robably have similar experiences Your opinion HumourBreaks the ice with the audience and relaxes you OtherCurrent events, something you have read or seen (newspaper, book, TV), knowledge of pertinent factsMethods to Determine ContentThe following methods are for guidance only. You dont have to use t
9、hem however they may help you tothink quickly on your feet. You may develop other techniques that suit your style of speaking better. PREP MethodWhen asked to express an opinion - to inform, persuade or inspire Point Make your point (Opening) Reason State your reason for making the point (Body) Exam
10、ple Give an example to justify your previous remarks (Body) Point Drive home the point again. Links the conclusion back to the opening. Past, Present, Future Method (Body)When asked for your comment on a particular topic Point Make your point (Opening). Be brief. Past What happened in the past. Refl
11、ect on a past issue. (Body) Present What is happening today (Body) Future What will/could happen in the future (Body) Point Drive home your opening point. Reminds audience what the point of your speech was all about. (Conclusion) Be brief Who, What, How, When, Where (Body)When asked to role play or
12、to use your imagination Other Methods (Body) Cause, Effect, Remedy Before, The Event, The Result Local, State, Federal Good, Bad, IndifferentBe PreparedThere is a good chance that you will be unexpectedly called upon to give an impromptu speech at aToastmasters (Table Topics) or other (business, clu
13、b or P&F etc) meeting. Try and pre-empt possible topicsthat may arise, such as those from current events or contentious issues. Have an emergency speech available.Speech TimeIn Toastmasters: Club level (Table Topics) 90 secsCompetition level 2 minutesSpeechcraft 60 secsElsewhere 3 to 5 mins (whateve
14、r seems appropriate to occasion)Summary Deliberately rise from your chair very slowly and pause for a moment. Use this time to decide on thepurpose and plan of your speech Keep the focus on the subject while talking, and dont think about any negatives such as being unpreparedor that you will look or
15、 sound foolish. Rather, think about the subject. Look for opportunities to bring inhumour. Talk directly to the audience and adapt to audience feedback. Be brief and to the point. Guard against rambling and the temptation to say too much about the subject. Remember, this is a mini speech so try to have an opening, a body and a conclusion. The conclusionshould reflect back to the comments in the opening. Always try to speak and act in a confident manner. Dont rush Address the Chairman before and after the speech
