Comments on: Steps to Better Impromptu Speaking

By: Seven Advanced Habits of Highly Effective Speakers « Boundaryless Marketing by Paul Barsch

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:23:31 +0000

[...] craft takes discipline, commitment and plenty of practice. With customer presentations ranging from prepared to impromptu, it is often helpful for marketing executives to keep these skills current. And while many speakers [...]

By: anjel nicholas

anjel nicholas — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 05:55:30 +0000

I’m very glad i found your blog Paul – without the ‘forced rest’ from the fires i doubt i would have … Thank you!

By: Krista

Krista — Fri, 18 May 2007 06:45:44 +0000

I find that spending 5 minutes drawing a simple mindmap will help me stay focused on what I want to say. Just draw it on the back of a name card and have it (hidden) in the palm of your hand.

By: Byron Alley

Byron Alley — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:19:48 +0000

Great tips here in the comments!
One of the hardest things with off-the-cuff speaking is maintaining focus. So even if you only have five seconds before you speak, try to figure out your number one goal (as Tom pointed out) and then two steps to getting there. Even without a full outline, it will help you pace your talk and stay on track.

By: Paul Barsch

Paul Barsch — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:20:36 +0000

Tricia, I really like the comment about sketching out a quick outline before you talk–assuming you have five minutes. The outline will keep you on track and provide structure for your talk. The key, in my mind is keeping your bullet points one or two words to jog your memory. Some people have the tendency to write out complete sentences in their speech outlines, which really doesn’t help for an impromptu speech.

By: Trisha

Trisha — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:37:02 +0000

Great advice Paul and I only have three things to add. One, if you have 5minutes before your impromptu presentation, just write an outline for what you’ll say. This can be done in note format with just headings to remind you of each section you want to talk about.
Secondly, I find that working on HOW you speak also helps. You could have a great topic in mind and know all about it, but aren’t able to engage people. I used to talk along with commercials and newscasts until my voice sounded like something people wanted to listen to.
Finally, if possible, get your audience involved. Ask them for examples or similar experiences. They’ll help to fill in some of your blanks and fill in your time as well as keep interested in what you’re talking about.
So short notes, engaging voice and involved audience should help make it easier next time.

By: Rod Martin

Rod Martin — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:54:40 +0000

Tammy’s comment is really helpful too. I do a lot of public speaking and I find that one little hint – talking to people all the time – really makes a difference.
Now if I could just remember to listen too!

By: Tammy Strnatka

Tammy Strnatka — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 21:47:19 +0000

I find being a bit of a comedian all the time helps. Plus talk to the cashier wherever you are. talk to people all the time. Strangers. It makes speaking in public much easier.

By: Paul Barsch

Paul Barsch — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:53:36 +0000

Tom, you bring up an interesting technique, and probably also beneficial for when you have to give a quick thirty second answer to a question posed to you. Thanks for the tip.

By: tom behr

tom behr — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 14:00:54 +0000

Another thought.
The trick of good impromptu speaking is figuring out what to say at the spur of the moment.
Try this: In the seconds or so before you speak,
Say TO YOURSELF, NOT THE AUDIENCE “I want you to know that…” and then LISTEN TO THE VERY NEXT WORDS THAT ENTER YOUR MIND. That’s your “message” — hotwired straight from your subconscious. Then pick three points to alaborate on about that idea – NO MORE -
Then remember to “Tell ‘em,” “Tell ‘em,” and “Tell ‘em.”