Effective Speaking in Spontaneous Situations

Introduction

• Interactive workshop: Focus on participation and practice.
• Exercise: Count the number of 'f's in a sentence. Illustrates how small details affect effectiveness.
• Focus: Spontaneous speaking, not prepared speeches.

Types of Public Speaking

• Formal (planned with slides, keynotes, toasts) vs Spontaneous (off-the-cuff, Q&A, surprise toasts).
• Survey: GSB students requested training for spontaneous speaking, especially cold calls.

Managing Anxiety

• Prevalence: 85% of people get nervous while speaking in public.
• Positive aspect: Anxiety provides energy and focus.

Techniques to Manage Anxiety

1. Greeting Anxiety: Acknowledge nervousness to prevent spiraling.
2. Reframe as a Conversation: Use questions and conversational language.
3. Be Present: Use physical activity, music, tongue twisters (e.g., “I slit a sheet...”).

Four Steps to Effective Spontaneous Speaking

1. Get Out of Your Own Way

• Exercise: Shout the wrong name. Helps break mental barriers.
• Maxim: Dare to be dull. Accept imperfection to achieve effectiveness.

2. See the Situation as an Opportunity

• Exercise: Exchange imaginary gifts. Emphasize seeing situations as opportunities, not threats.
• Maxim: Yes, and... (improv principle).

3. Slow Down and Listen

• Exercise: Spell everything you say. Forces the speaker to listen and focus.
• Maxim: Don’t just do something, stand there. Listen before responding.

4. Use Structure in Responses

• Value of Structure: Increases processing fluency.
• Structures:
  • Problem-Solution-Benefit: Define the issue, how to solve it, the benefits.
  • What-So What-Now What: Explain what it is, why it's important, and next steps.
• Exercise: Sell a slinky using the provided structures.

Applications and Final Tips

• Practice: Apply structures in everyday situations.
• Resources: Book “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out” and website “No Freaking Speaking”.

Q&A Highlights

• Handling Hostile Situations: Acknowledge emotion, reframe the question, paraphrase for clarity.
• Remote Audiences: Use engagement techniques, e.g., polls, imagined scenarios.
• Humor in Speaking: Self-deprecating humor is safest; test jokes beforehand.
• Cultural Considerations: Tailor approach based on audience expectations.
• Expert Witness Testimony: Have themes, use paraphrasing.
• Journalistic Techniques: Use the power of “why” and seek advice to get authentic responses.

Conclusion

• Recap: Manage anxiety, practice steps, and apply structures.
• Invitation: Join for further discussion and individual questions.