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Impromptu or Extemporaneous Speaking
(c) 1997 LJL Seminars
While many of us do not like to speak in front of
people, there are times when we are asked to get up and
say a few words about someone or a topic when we have
not planned on saying anything at all. We are more
shocked than anyone else. Has this ever happened to you?
If and when this does happen to you, be prepared to rise
to the challenge. Below are some tips you can use the
next time you are called on to speak.
Decide quickly what your one message will be - Keep in
mind you have not been asked to give a speech but to
make some impromptu remarks. Hopefully they have asked
you early enough so you can at least jot down a few
notes before you speak. If not, pick ONE message or
comment and focus on that one main idea. Many times,
other ideas may come to you after you start speaking. If
this happens, go with the flow and trust your instincts.
Do not try and memorize what you will say - Trying to
memorize will only make you more nervous and you will
find yourself thinking more about the words and not
about the message.
Start off strong and with confidence - If you at least
plan your opening statement, this will get you started
on the right foot. After all, just like with any formal
speech, getting stared is the most difficult. Plan what
your first sentence will be. You may even write this
opening line down on your note card and glance at it one
more time just before you begin speaking. If you know
you have three points or ideas to say, just start off
simple by saying, "I would just like to talk about 3
points". The first point is... the second point is...
and so on.
Decide on your transitions from one point to the other -
After you have decided on your opening remark or line,
come up with a simple transition statement that takes
you to your main point. If you have more than one point
to make, you can use a natural transtion such as, "My
second point is... or my next point is..." etc. Just
list on your note card or napkin, if you have to, the
main points or ideas. Do not write out the exact words,
but just the points you want to mention.
Maintain eye contact with the audience - This is easier
to do if you do not write down all kinds of stuff to
read. Look down at your next idea or thought and
maintain eye contact with your audience and speak from
your heart. Focus on communcating TO your audience and
not speaking AT the crowd.
Occassionally Throw in an off-the-cuff remark - Because
you want your style to be flexible and seem impromptu,
trust your instinct and add a few words which just pop
into your head. Keep it conversational and think of the
audience as a group of your friends.
Finally, have a good conclusion - Gracefully just state,
"And the last point I would like to make is ....". Once
you have made your last point, you can then turn control
back to the person who asked you to speak in the first
place.
With a little practice, this process will feel more
natural to you. Anticipating that you MAY be asked to
say a few words should force you to at least think about
what you might say if you are asked. Then if you ARE
asked, you are better prepared because you anticipated
being asked. This is much better than thinking they
won't ask you and they actually do!
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- Lenny Laskowski
- Lenny Laskowski is an international professional speaker and the author
of the book, No Sweat Presentations - The Painless Way to Successful Speaking and several
other publications. Lenny is also available for hire to speak to your organization,
college or association. Lenny also provides in-house seminars and workshops. Why not
contact Lenny today for your next function or event. Lenny can be found at his Web site, http://www.ljlseminars.com/ or can be contacted by
email at the following address: Sales@LJLSeminars.com.
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