Impromptu Speaking – Tips for the first timer

You will experience impromptu speaking at some point. You may have to introduce yourself to new classmates, convince a store manager to refund an item you purchased three days ago, or deliver a short “thank you” speech. But do not panic. You will have at least a minute or two to think through your speech.

First tip for impromptu speaking

Keep your speech simple and short. Even when speaking impromtu the goal is to get your message across with the least amount of trouble. So use the minute you have for preparations to formulate your thesis statement. A thesis statement is a one-line summary of what you want to say. Focus on this and build your additional points around it, making sure that you don’t stray.

Second tip for impromptu speaking

Use simple words and stop yourself from trying too hard to impress your audience. Do not lose sight of why you’re speaking impromptu. If you spend time to come up with catchy phrases you risk losing your key message. And you don’t want to end up with a loss for words once you’re up on stage.

Third tip for impromptu speaking

Relax. Of course, speaking off-the-cuff to people you are familiar with is different from having to deliver an unprepared and unrehearsed speech to a room full of strangers. If you need to break the ice, you could start with a very short and genuine comment about how nervous you are being under the limelight. And if you fiddle with your fingers when you’re nervous, place them inside your pockets or clasp them in front of you so they don’t go all over the place.

You will be surprised at how the words will just flow out of your mouth once you’ve overcome the initial nervousness. Keep your message genuine and real, and everything will be all right. Oh, and don’t forget to smile.