Effective Speaking in Spontaneous Situations

Jul 5, 2024

Effective Speaking in Spontaneous Situations

Introduction

  • Grammatical error in title to catch attention
  • Interactive and participative workshop
  • Focus on spontaneous speaking (speaking off the cuff without preparation)

Activity: Counting F's

  • Common error: missing the word 'of'
  • Analogy to public speaking: small errors make a big difference
  • Shows how smart people can miss small details in spontaneous situations

Types of Spontaneous Speaking

  • Introductions at events
  • Providing feedback in moments
  • Surprise toasts
  • Q&A sessions

Agenda

  1. Anxiety management
  2. Ground rules for interactivity
  3. Core methods for spontaneous speaking

Managing Anxiety

  • 85% of people are nervous about speaking in public
  • Fear of public speaking is common
  • Anxiety can be managed, not completely removed

Techniques

Greeting Anxiety

  • Acknowledge nervousness
  • Stop the anxiety from spiraling out of control by accepting it

Reframing the Situation

  • See speaking as a conversation, not a performance
  • Use questions to engage the audience
  • Use conversational language

Being Present-Oriented

  • Focus on the present moment
  • Techniques: physical exercise, music, counting, tongue twisters
  • Activity: Saying a tongue twister to get present-oriented

Spontaneous Speaking Steps

1. Get Out of Your Own Way

  • Avoid over-planning
  • Activity: Shout the wrong name (disrupts planning and overthinking)
  • Maxim: Dare to be dull

2. Reframe as an Opportunity

  • See speaking as a chance to clarify and explain, not an adversarial moment
  • Activity: Exchange imaginary gifts and justify the gifts given
  • Maxim: Yes, and...

3. Slow Down and Listen

  • Understanding the needs of the audience is critical
  • Activity: Spell everything you say to force yourself to focus and listen
  • Maxim: Don't just do something; stand there

4. Use Structure

  • Makes processing information easier (Problem-Solution-Benefit and What-So What-Now What)
  • Structure improves processing fluency and memory
  • Problem-Solution-Benefit: Address a problem, offer a solution, detail the benefits
  • What-So What-Now What: State the fact, explain importance, outline next steps
  • Activity: Sell a slinky using one of the structures
  • Key Idea: Structure sets you free

Ending Notes

  • Practice these techniques regularly
  • Book and resources: "Speaking Up Without Freaking Out", "No Freaking Speaking"

Q&A Session

  • Hostile situations: Acknowledge emotion, reframe, and respond
  • Remote audiences: Engage through interactive activities like polling and imagining scenarios
  • Cultural nuances: Understand and respect cultural expectations
  • Using humor: Use carefully, prefer self-deprecating humor
  • Preparing for cross-examination: Identify themes, use paraphrasing

Summary

  • Techniques to manage anxiety and improve spontaneous speaking
  • Four steps: Get out of own way, reframe as an opportunity, listen carefully, and use structure
  • Practical activities to reinforce lessons
  • Importance of practice for mastery