
Quickly, What Am I Going To Say?
Short notice speeches and impromptu speeches
There are many situations in our everyday lives when we may be called upon to speak at short notice or speak immediately. You could be at work, speaking to retail staff or a bank manager. You may be speaking to a stranger at the supermarket. Wherever you are, you can practice spontaneous and short notice speaking.
The definition of short notice speaking is when you have some warning before you need to speak. Impromptu speaking is when you speak immediately, completely ‘off the cuff’.
Don’t panic! There are techniques which can be used in these situations to make them manageable and, in fact, enjoyable.
What to say
This depends on the situation and the topic at the time. Keep to the topic, know your audience and your purpose (to inform, persuade, motivate, entertain or a combination of these).
Speech construction is the same as for any speech – an introduction, a body of main points and a conclusion. However, with impromptu speaking the time is short and you need to think quickly, so knowing some techniques is very helpful. Discussions, giving an opinion and answering questions all require impromptu speaking.
Key elements
When your boss asks you to speak in front of colleagues or a client, or you are asked to speak at a meeting or a function, the key elements for making a good speech in daily situations are:
• Inspiration
• Speech structure
Inspiration
Try to think of some aspect of the topic which is new and interesting rather than tell something already known. Unless you have a natural flair for this, the element of inspiration may be elusive. By practising the following techniques most speakers can develop the ability to think quickly and present a well- structured speech to any topic with little or no warning.
The aim is to be able to recollect a previous experience or information that is linked to the topic which will help to generate a flow of ideas and phrases.
If asked to speak totally impromptu the following advice will be helpful. Respond slowly. Walk slowly to the lectern or place of presentation. Pause after addressing the Chair, President, MC or the person in charge. While doing this keep thinking, thinking, and thinking, the whole time.
Don’t waste time. Decide on one point (often the best point for development is the very first one that came into your mind), then set out to build on it.
Speech construction – How to say it
Speech construction can be based on choosing one of the following methods.
1. PREP is a ‘tried and true’ method which is effective for business meetings, conference calls and interviews. These settings are structured.
P is for point – your main point.
“I believe that . . .”
R is for reason – why you are speaking on the topic
“The reason I believe this is because . . . “
E is for example – give examples to bring life to what you are saying
Give a number of examples depending on the time available
P is for point – conclude by restating your point
“This is why I believe that . . .”
2. Pros and Cons is another method which can be used in structured settings. Present the case for affirmative and the case for the negative, then sum up with an effective solution.
This method is also suitable when delivering an informative speech to an audience.
3. Time sequence method: Past, present, future Consider the past, present and future of the item, person or occasion on which you are asked to speak.
4. Listing method: List facts and ideas as they come to you. Try to summarise with a conclusion that ties it all together.
5. Social, political, economic method: These are suitable approaches for a topic of public interest. For example: The effects of mining
6. Personal, national, international method: Many impromptu speakers use the personal experience (tell it with a story). National and international events and situations can also be told in a story form. Using any of the three aspects can also be used in informative speeches.
7. The interrogatives: Use of the following formula or some of the elements is a method which can create an effective short notice or impromptu speech.
Prompts to assist in thinking:
• WHAT is it?
• WHY does it / did it happen?
• WHEN does it / did it happen?
• WHERE does it / did it happen?
• HOW will it / did it happen?
• WHO is it about?
Choose all of the interrogatives, a combination of them or one which is applicable to the situation.
Tips for you
As the speaker think about:
What does the topic mean to you personally?
Why are we here? Why am I speaking? What is my purpose?
Decide on your own reasons when answering these questions.
Remember the speech construction methods.
Consider the time factor.
Remember, preparation prevents rambling.
If it is a short notice speech, jot down a few points as preparation.
Remember . . .
Smile
Enjoy the opportunity to speak.
Keep it simple
Use language so that you don’t lose the direction of your speech and so the audience can follow you easily. Be sincere. No one expects brilliance and wit from an impromptu speech, however sincerity always shows.
Structure of the speech Follow the same rules as for a prepared speech
Opening / Introduction Make it attention grabbing. It is an opportunity to share your point of view.
Body / Content Select one main point worth making and build on that.
Ending / Conclusion Follow from the body of the speech, link it to your opening.
Be prepared
Many impromptu speeches occur at social events and sometimes you have an idea that you could be asked to speak. Be prepared. Have some basic ideas in mind at all times. Remember the more practice you have at making prepared speeches the more you will be able to respond to an impromptu or short notice request.
Learn to welcome the opportunity to speak up in any situation.
Good evening. Thank you…Interesting page :).
Hi there. Thanks a lot! Love your blog!.
My brother suggested I would possibly like this web site. He was entirely right.
This post actually made my day. You can not consider simply how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
This design is spectacular! You most certainly know how to keep a
reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved
to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
Hi
Thank you for your compliments. A Speaking tips blog is posted once a month.
Cheers Shirl
Speaking Made Easy – Website Manager
Like!! I blog frequently and I really thank you for your content. The article has truly peaked my interest.
Hi, Pleased we have got your interest, take a look at our Meeting locations page, it has a list of where meetings are held.
I do not even understand how I ended up right here, however I thought
this submit used to be good. I do not know who
you’re however definitely you are going to a famous blogger
when you are not already. Cheers!
Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic but I
was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with
hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a
good platform.
HI Sorry i also use wordpress, but there is another platform that i have heard is good and that is Wix
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article.
Thanks for supplying this info.
Superb, what a weblog it is! This weblog provides useful facts to us, keep it up.
Glad yo find the articles useful, we post a speaking tips blog, once a month.
I am now not certain the place you are getting your info, however
great topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or understanding more.
Thanks for fantastic info I was in search of this info for my mission.
Hey there, You have done an incredible job.
I’ll definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends.
I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.
Hi there! This article could not be written any
better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He always kept preaching about this. I’ll send this post to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for
sharing!
I all the time emailed this web site post page to all my contacts,
for the reason that if like to read it afterward
my links will too.
There is apparently a lot to identify about this. I suppose you made some nice points in features also.
I have read a few excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot attempt you place to make this type of magnificent informative website.
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & aid different users like its aided me. Great job.
Looking forward to reading more. Great article.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
I have been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found
any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me.
Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did,
the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.
I just could not depart your website before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts
In this awesome pattern of things you actually get an A+ just for effort and hard work. Exactly where you misplaced us was first in your particulars. You know, people say, details make or break the argument.. And it couldn’t be more correct here. Having said that, allow me reveal to you what exactly did do the job. The text is certainly pretty convincing and that is probably why I am making an effort in order to comment. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. 2nd, despite the fact that I can notice the jumps in logic you make, I am not certain of exactly how you appear to unite the details which help to make your conclusion. For the moment I will yield to your position however hope in the future you connect the dots better.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
This is a useful article. I certainly can enrich my knowledge by reading this.
Your idea is actually outstanding. Thank’s toshare withe us such an important matter.
King regards,
Harrell Henneberg
Generally I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice post.
I am glad for writing to make you know what a terrific experience my friend’s daughter had going through your blog. She even learned so many pieces, including how it is like to possess a great teaching spirit to let other individuals completely grasp various grueling matters. You actually did more than readers’ desires. Thanks for coming up with those helpful, healthy, explanatory and also unique thoughts on this topic to Sandra.
Great post.
For newest news you have to pay a visit world-wide-web and on internet I found
this web site as a best web page for most up-to-date updates.
Normally I don’t learn post on blogs, but I wish to say that
this write-up very compelled me to check out and do so!
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great post.
I have read so many articles concerning the blogger lovers but this piece of
writing is really a fastidious post, keep it up.
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to
find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your
articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything.
Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great graphics or
video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could undeniably be one of the greatest in its field.
Wonderful blog!
It’s in reality a great and helpful piece of info. I am satisfied that you shared this
helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this.
Thank you for sharing.
I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it
yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is
rare to see a nice blog like this one today.
Hello there, I found your site via Google at the same time as searching for
a related topic, your website came up, it seems to be great.
I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, just became alert to your weblog via Google,
and found that it is really informative. I
am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you proceed this in future.
Many other folks will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely think this website needs much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for
the advice!
Hi there everyone, it’s my first pay a visit at this web site, and paragraph
is actually fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting these
posts.
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google,
and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Hey there terrific website! Does running a blog like
this require a massive amount work? I have very little understanding of coding however I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyhow, should you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off subject nevertheless I just had to ask.
Cheers!
I all the time used to read piece of writing in news papers but now
as I am a user of web thus from now I am using
net for articles or reviews, thanks to web.
There is definately a great deal to learn about this issue.
I really like all the points you have made.
Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I am impressed!
Extremely helpful info specifically the final phase 🙂 I care
for such info much. I was seeking this certain info for
a very lengthy time. Thank you and good luck.
This text is worth everyone’s attention. How can I find out
more?
Great article, totally what I needed.
Good day I am so glad I found your web site, I really found you by accident,
while I was browsing on Aol for something else, Anyways
I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a remarkable post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t
have time to browse it all at the moment but I have saved
it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent jo.
I just couldn’t go away your site before suggesting that I actually loved the standard information an individual provide to your visitors?
Is going to be back continuously to check out new posts
Hi! I realize this is sort of off-topic however I had to ask.
Does running a well-established website such as yours take a
lot of work? I’m completely new to writing a blog however I do write in my
journal daily. I’d like to start a blog so I can share my own experience and thoughts online.
Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or tips for brand new aspiring
blog owners. Thankyou!
You made some really good points there. I looked on the internet for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable
for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Outstanding work!
Hi there, this weekend is fastidious in favor of me, because this occasion i am reading this great educational article here at my residence.
Informative article, exactly what I was looking for.
It’s great that you are getting ideas from this piece of writing as well
as from our discussion made at this place.
Hi, yup this paragraph is truly fastidious and I have learned lot of things from
it on the topic of blogging. thanks.
Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and
you are just too excellent. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say
it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep
it wise. I cant wait to read much more from you.
This is actually a tremendous site.
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Many thanks!
I’m really inspired along with your writing skills and also with the layout to your weblog.
Is this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the nice
high quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a nice weblog
like this one today.. asmr 0mniartist
This paragraph is in fact a fastidious one it assists new the
web visitors, who are wishing for blogging. 0mniartist asmr
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up!
I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future.
All the best 0mniartist asmr
It is truly a great and useful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared
this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this.
Thanks for sharing. 0mniartist asmr
Hi everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at
this website, and post is genuinely fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting these types of posts.
asmr 0mniartist
I appreciate your piece of work, appreciate it for all the useful blog posts.
Good post. I learn one thing tougher on completely different blogs everyday. It should always be stimulating to learn content from other writers and observe somewhat something from their store. I’d choose to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! This can be one particular of the most helpful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Magnificent. I am also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.
Your style is really unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from.
I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just
bookmark this blog.
We stumbled over here different web page and thought
I
might as well check things out.
I like what I see so now I’m following
you. Look forward to looking at your web page repeatedly.