Handling Impromptu Speeches

What are Impromptu Speeches?

• Short response to a topic given on the spot.
• Examples:
  • "What is your most memorable experience in life so far?"
  • "If you were to name an insect that best describes yourself, what would it be?"
• Common in interviews, meetings, and social gatherings.

Types of Impromptu Questions

1. Opinion Questions
   • Require a yes/no/maybe response.
2. Hypothetical or Situational Questions
   • Inquire how you'd handle a situation that hasn't occurred.
3. Personal Questions
   • Require you to draw from personal experiences or abilities.
4. Stupid Questions
   • Unpredictable and unpreparable.

Tips for Handling Impromptu Speeches

• Listen for Key Words
• Buy Time to Think
  • Walk slowly to the stage if possible.
  • Smile, greet the audience, introduce yourself.
  • Rephrase the question or repeat key words.
  • Comment on the question or ask for clarification.
• Tell Personal Stories
  • Use stories from your past or others' experiences.
• Structure and Timing
  • Spend 30 seconds on the beginning, 70 seconds on the main message, wrap up in 20 seconds for a two-minute speech.

Organizing Content Ideas

1. Point-Reason-Example
   • State point, explain reasons, give example, restate point.
2. Chronological
   • Discuss past, present, and future of a process.
3. Cause and Effect
   • Describe event, point out implications.
4. Problem and Solution
   • Discuss problem, cause-effect, solution, and implications.
5. Pros and Cons
   • Compare options, list pros and cons, give recommendation.
6. Telling a Story
   • Detail what, where, when, who, how, and why before the message.

Handling Difficult Questions

• Hijack and twist the question.
• Keep filler words minimal.
• Always end on a positive note.

Engaging the Audience

• Stay Calm
• Engage the Audience
  • Smile, ask genuine questions, and wait for responses.
• Be Natural
  • Use natural gestures and voice.
• Manage Silence
  • Speak slowly, pause, and resume with key words if needed.
• Practice
  • Watch TED Talks, read, and listen to stories to enhance skills.

Start practicing impromptu speeches to speak like a pro.