Impromptu Speaking By Donald W Larson AC Bronze

Impromptu Speaking By Donald W. Larson AC Bronze, CL March 7, 2007 The Better Speaker Series

Feeling Put On The Spot? § What’s more challenging than preparing to give a speech? § How about giving a speech… without advance preparation? Click mouse to continue

The Triumphs And Terrors Of Table Topics § Immediately after being asked a question, you are expected to give a 45 to 75 second answer that is: - Organized - Coherent - Entertaining Click mouse to continue

Three Approaches To Help § The Challenge Of Table Topics - Structuring a response § Selecting A Strategy - Thinking of what to say § Whatever You Do, Don’t… - Short list of things not to do Click mouse to continue

The Challenge Of Table Topics § Requires extemporaneous response § We use it in Toastmasters meetings to practice for real-life situations: - Asked/asking for directions Answering the phone Job interview questions Talking to a customer Click mouse to continue

Is There A Formula? § We can’t always anticipate a question’s content… § Or predict when we will be asked “to give a few words” § It is possible to become better prepared and confident to answer Click mouse to continue

When Giving An Impromptu Talk 1. Listen 2. Pause 3. Confirm 4. Tell 5. End! We’ll cover these points in detail Click mouse to continue

Listen: Responsibilities § Don’t just hear, be attentive § Use what you listened to as part of your response: - Resist speaking until ready - Focus on what was said - Agree/disagree with question Click mouse to continue

Listen: Advantages § According respect: - Give respect by listening - Gain respect in return § Ready-made dialog: - Use what you heard in replying - Directly comment on question Click mouse to continue

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End § Give your brain a chance to refresh § Adds drama § Acknowledge the question: - Smile - Nod - No filler words (“Ah”, “Um”) Click mouse to continue

Avoid “Filler Word Click-Guilt!” Click mouse to continue

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End § Repeat question out loud: - Give your mind a chance to absorb concept - Verify the topic, in case you misunderstood the question Click mouse to continue

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End § Dazzle audience with your reply! § Stay focused on what you say § Express only the essential points in your reply Click mouse to continue

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End! § Don’t belabor your response § Bring your comments to a close: - Summarize your main point - Smile at the conclusion - Make final eye contact - Sit down! Click mouse to continue

Remember The Secret Formula 1. Listen 2. Pause 3. Confirm 4. Tell 5. End! Click mouse to continue

Second Step To Help § The Challenge Of Table Topics - Structuring a response § Selecting A Strategy - Thinking of what to say § Whatever You Do, Don’t… - Short list of things not to do Click mouse to continue

Selecting A Strategy § Express an Opinion § Address Cause and Effect § Break the Topic into Components § Discuss the Past, Present and Future We’ll cover these points in detail Click mouse to continue

Strategies: Express An Opinion § State your opinion § Pro/Con, justify your position: - One item of support to answer a question - Two or three items of support if responding to a speech Click mouse to continue

Strategies: Address Cause And Effect § State the situation § Discuss causes § Align with consequences Click mouse to continue

Strategies: Break Topic Into Components § Discuss each element individually § Describe elements by their: - Differences - Difficulty - Relative importance Click mouse to continue

Strategies: Discuss The Past, Present, And Future § Establish a timeline reference: - Assess the situation over a period of time, consider: - Benchmarks - Milestones - Historical significance Click mouse to continue

Selecting A Strategy Summary § Express an Opinion § Address Cause and Effect § Break the Topic into Components § Discuss the Past, Present and Future Click mouse to continue

Third Step To Help § The Challenge Of Table Topics - Structuring a response § Selecting A Strategy - Thinking of what to say § Whatever You Do, Don’t… - Short list of things not to do Click mouse to continue

Whatever You Do, Don’t… § Apologize - It’s annoying § Ramble - Avoid verbatim repetition § Invent - Be sincere and honest Click mouse to continue

What We Learned Today § The Challenge Of Table Topics - Structuring a response § Selecting A Strategy - Thinking of what to say § Whatever You Do, Don’t… - Short list of things not to do Click mouse to continue

Wrap-up § To think on your feet is a good habit to cultivate § It takes time and effort to establish these habits § Practice these basic concepts to accept the challenge of “Impromptu Speaking” Click mouse to continue

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