🫢Advanced Public Speaking Unit 7 – Impromptu & Extemporaneous Speaking

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Impromptu speaking involves delivering a speech with little to no preparation time
• Extemporaneous speaking allows for some preparation time to organize thoughts and create an outline
• Impromptu speeches often have a time limit ranging from 1-5 minutes
• Key elements of effective impromptu speaking include clarity, conciseness, and engaging the audience
• Impromptu speaking tests your ability to think on your feet and communicate ideas effectively under pressure
• Extemporaneous speaking requires quickly analyzing a topic, organizing main points, and delivering a coherent message
• Both impromptu and extemporaneous speaking are valuable skills in various professional and personal settings (interviews, meetings, toasts)

Types of Impromptu Speaking

• Elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech used to spark interest in a project, idea, or product
  • Typically lasts 30 seconds to 2 minutes
  • Focuses on key points and unique selling proposition
• Toast is a short speech given in honor of a person or event, often at celebrations (weddings, birthdays, achievements)
• Introducing a speaker involves providing background information, accomplishments, and setting the stage for the main presenter
• Acceptance speeches express gratitude and acknowledge support when receiving an award or recognition
• Impromptu debating requires arguing for or against a given topic with limited preparation time
• Answering interview questions on the spot demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts and experiences concisely
• Giving impromptu feedback or input during meetings and discussions

Extemporaneous Speaking Techniques

• Organize your speech into a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
  • Introduction: Grab attention, state the topic, and preview main points
  • Body: Develop 2-3 main points with supporting evidence and examples
  • Conclusion: Summarize key points and provide a memorable closing statement
• Use transitional phrases to guide the audience through your speech and maintain a logical flow
• Employ rhetorical devices (repetition, rhetorical questions, analogies) to emphasize points and engage the audience
• Adapt your language and examples to suit the specific audience and context
• Maintain eye contact with the audience to establish a connection and gauge their response
• Use vocal variety (tone, pitch, pace) to convey enthusiasm and emphasize key points
• Incorporate personal anecdotes or experiences to make your speech more relatable and memorable

Preparation Strategies

• Anticipate potential topics or questions and brainstorm ideas in advance
• Stay informed on current events, industry trends, and common topics in your field
• Create a mental or physical "toolbox" of anecdotes, quotes, and examples that can be adapted to various topics
• Practice impromptu speaking regularly to build confidence and hone your skills
  • Set a timer and give yourself random topics to speak on
  • Join public speaking clubs or workshops (Toastmasters) for a supportive practice environment
• Develop a go-to structure or template for organizing your thoughts quickly (e.g., problem-solution, chronological, pros and cons)
• Utilize the prep time effectively by jotting down key points, examples, and a basic outline
• Focus on crafting a strong opening and closing statement to make a lasting impact on the audience

Delivery Skills and Body Language

• Maintain good posture and stand confidently to project authority and credibility
• Use natural, purposeful gestures to emphasize points and add visual interest
• Vary your facial expressions to convey emotion and engage the audience
• Maintain eye contact with different sections of the audience to create a connection
• Avoid distracting mannerisms (fidgeting, pacing, playing with objects) that can detract from your message
• Use pauses strategically to allow the audience to process information and add emphasis to key points
• Speak at a conversational pace and vary your tone to maintain audience interest
• Project your voice to ensure you are heard clearly throughout the room

Structuring Your Speech

• Use the "Rule of Three" to organize your main points into a memorable and easily followed structure
• Begin with an attention-grabbing opening (startling statistic, provocative question, relevant quote) to hook the audience
• Clearly state your topic and purpose early in the speech to set expectations
• Use signposts and transitional phrases ("first," "next," "in conclusion") to guide the audience through your speech
• Support main points with evidence, examples, and anecdotes to make your arguments more persuasive
• Summarize your key points in the conclusion to reinforce your message
• End with a strong, memorable closing statement or call to action that ties back to your opening

Handling Q&A Sessions

• Anticipate potential questions and prepare concise, informative responses in advance
• Listen carefully to the entire question before formulating your answer
• Repeat or rephrase the question to ensure clarity and buy yourself time to think
• Keep your answers concise and on-topic, avoiding lengthy tangents or irrelevant details
• If you don't know the answer, acknowledge it and offer to follow up with more information later
• Use the "bridging" technique to redirect the conversation back to your main points if a question is off-topic or challenging
• Maintain composure and professionalism, even if faced with difficult or hostile questions
• Conclude the Q&A session by thanking the audience for their questions and restating your key message

Practice Exercises and Tips

• Record yourself giving impromptu speeches and analyze your performance for areas of improvement
• Practice speaking in front of a mirror to refine your body language and facial expressions
• Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or public speaking coaches to identify strengths and weaknesses
• Expand your knowledge by reading widely, attending conferences, and engaging in discussions on various topics
• Embrace discomfort and push yourself to speak up in meetings, classes, or social situations to build confidence
• Analyze the techniques used by skilled impromptu speakers (politicians, comedians, public figures) and adapt them to your style
• Participate in impromptu speaking competitions or join debate clubs to gain experience in high-pressure situations
• Remember that effective impromptu speaking is a skill that can be developed and refined through consistent practice and self-reflection