Prompt Action, Start Talking!

What do you know, it has been three weeks since we started our Public Speaking course. A big shout out to all you peeps out there who have just completed their first Public Speaking assignment this week, whoo-hoo! 

Impromptu speaking in session. Notice how making eye contact is important to maintain audience engagement. Ignore my hat in the foreground.

By now I am sure that you have been informed by your instructor to be prepared for impromptu speaking. Of course, that would be ironic since an impromptu speech is a speech that you have to make when you are not prepared. Therefore, you are NOT supposed to be prepared!

In life, this can happen when you are suddenly requested to give a speech while attending special events (such as your 100 year-old grandpa's birthday party), or being interviewed by a reporter who wishes to know your opinion on ketum contraband (because the government believes that the opinion of every citizen matters).

Remember, when it comes to impromptu speaking keep your speech short and sweet. No one would normally expect you to spill out statistical evidence and cold hard facts in a spontaneous speech unless you have read it somewhere else shortly prior to the speech. Give brief remarks on your thoughts about an issue, and share your own personal experience or two relating to it.

So how do you make a good impromptu speech? Start by talking!

This might sound crazy, but try talking to yourself and listen to how you sound. Talk to yourself whenever you wake up from your bed, take a shower, use the lavatory, have breakfast, or walk to your class. Talk about the things that you have seen, or the news that you have heard recently. Record your voice and gestures if necessary. Put it in practice and you will eventually find that giving impromptu speech is a breeze. People around you might think you are crazy, but what the heck... look at the bright side, at least they are paying attention to you talking.

Next try striking up conversation with a random stranger and talk about certain areas that both of you are interested in and comfortable with. This practice will help you to polish your audience engagement skill and reduce your anxiety towards public speaking.

You can also talk about how Twiggies can replace waffles as a quick and easy breakfast... or lunch (or dinner). By the way, these Twiggies are already taken for my class' activity. See the labels attached to them? Now you know why the cafe was running out of Twiggies yesterday...

Okay, I am done with my tips on impromptu speaking and I hope you would find more helpful tips to rely on and share with your friends. Maybe you can also share what other tips that you have found or used to give impromptu speeches in the comments section below.

So what do you think about your first Public Speaking course task? I hope everyone did well, and good luck to those who are yet to complete their impromptu speaking assignment.