Impromptu Speech

Impromptu SpeechJohan OthmanSchool of the ArtsUniversiti Sains MalaysiaWhat?Speecha formal address delivered to an audienceImpromptudone without being plannedNot rehearsedOn the spotWithout notice5 minutes +/-

When?Wide range of scenarios - Social/formalSocial eventsGatheringsmeetingsOther scenariosScheduled speaker unavailable. Asked to speak instead.Answer questions from audience after own talk. Q & A session.Being interviewed tv, radio, telephone etc.Invited to say a few words at a gathering.Brief status report at a meeting.Joining a debate.Giving unplanned congratulation speech.Common factors in social/formal scenariosImpromptu speech constitutes:Unexpected questions surpriseHigh stake situations stressAudience perception that you are concerned aboutPanic/embarrassmentWhat to do?Turning down speechAppear uncooperative

Accepting speechIndicates team playerYou will be sympathised more than prepared speakersDont worry

How?To sound confidentKnowledgepolishedto say a few wordsFew wordsDo not ramble talk at length in a confused wayMany approaches Depend on contextFor example:Take note of important pointsIntroduction/EndingPoints, elaboration & examplesContext of interviewsSTARSituation no details. Points. Context.TaskAction what you did? Why did it?Result

meetingsFor example: Asking for your opinionsPREPPoint what is the subject?Reason Why?Examples Stories/elaborationsPoint concluding point. Reiterate point.Logical (reason)/Emotional (examples/stories)Keep balanced logic/emotion. Appeal to all audience.Social settingsTell a story. Not facts.Implication of the story what is the point that you are making? What does the story illustrates.Finish strong. Closing.Open with personal experienceThemeOne that you know/understand unlikely inaccurate about the topic.To the pointStructure. Example: past, present, future.End on strong note. Do not apologise.Hand it off give floor back to host/ hope all will enjoy the rest of the evening

Other approachesIssue address itPros vs. cons benefits and drawbacksConclusion conclude with recommendation5WWhoWhatWhenWherewhyBody language/gestureConnect with audienceMake eye contactMake audience aware you are concerned to deliver your talkShow your confidence

Changing standing position at every main point when possible. But not too much.If blank pause a moment. think. Ask questions.DictionTone control nervous/calmInvolve the audience seek response, questionsTwist topic/relate topicHumour/serious

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