Tips On Delivering Effective Impromptu Speech


Most speeches are the result of careful planning, revision and practice. There may be times, however, when a situation demands that you give an impromptu speech with little or no time to prepare. When you find yourself in an unexpected public speaking scenario, you will be improvising what you say, which means you will have to be able to think on your feet.

Ever wish to know how you can stay composed while deliver an oration you can be proud of, or at least survive with minimal embarrassment? Follow these tips to help you overcome that feeling of butterflies inside your stomach:


1. GETTING STARTED

Take your time getting ready to speak. Don’t be in too big of a hurry to stand up or make the trip to the podium. Walk slowly to your mark, being relaxed and deliberate. Since you’ll only have a few moments, preparing yourself is more about getting yourself in the right state of mind than it is knowing exactly what you’re going to say.

Calm your nerves. Take a few slow, deep breaths to collect yourself. Let your mind settle so you can concentrate on the task at hand. Confront the reality of your situation to avoid becoming panic. Accept that you have to give a speech (redha) and then focus all your resources on giving a good one.

Project a confident aura. Face your audience boldly and smile. Make eye contact with those closest to you. Display confident body language—try not to fidget, tremble or arrange yourself awkwardly.

Make a short introduction. In a few words, let everyone know who you are. Tell them your name and describe yourself and your relation to the topic or role as a speaker. You might also thank everyone for their presence and attention. Do not just jump right into the main idea of your speech.


2. DELIVERING YOUR SPEECH

Speak fluidly and naturally. Don’t be too rigid or over-complicate the structure of your speech. Let your thoughts and words flow, reeling them in when they start to wander. Use simple sentences that follow a logical progression and enunciate your words carefully to keep yourself from getting tongue-tied.

Keep it brief. An impromptu speech should be short and sweet.

Tell a story. Just like every story you’ve ever read, a good speech should have a definite beginning, middle and end. Speaking from experience is a plus, as it will make your message feel more personal and prevent you from making factual mistakes.When describing personal experiences, avoid sharing opinions on irrelevant controversial subjects.

Get your audience laughing. Humor is a great icebreaker and also makes it easier to hold your audience’s attention.


3. CONCLUDING WITH STYLE

Get an idea of how you’re going to finish your speech. With your main ideas out of the way, you should start thinking about wrapping things up. Keep your conclusion brief. It is alright to sign off with a simple “thank you for your time”

Make your conclusion memorable. Save your most compelling point, touching memory or hilarious anecdote for last. Deliver your closing remarks with strong language and poise. The final part of your speech will make the most impact with your audience because it will be freshest in their minds, so bring it home with something memorable to leave a lasting impression.

Thank your listeners. At the end of your address, show your appreciation for your audience by thanking them once again. Then, pass the baton to the master of ceremonies gracefully and return to your seat.

No comments