IMPROPTU SPEECH

How to Give an Impromptu Speech, with Examples

An impromptu speech is when you're asked to speak in public without prior notice. It can be one of the most terrifying speeches you'll ever do; standing up in front of a crowd and having to speak for a few minutes without preparation is daunting even for the most seasons speakers.

Impromptu speech definition An impromptu speech is given with little or no preparation, yet almost always with some advance knowledge on the topic. This is sometimes referred to as "off the cuff" or "spur of the moment".

Tips on giving an impromptu speech If you are about to make an impromptu speech and have a few minutes to prepare, follow these two tips:

1. Make some quick notes The first thing you should do when asked to speak, is to grab a pen and a piece of paper (or napkin - whatever you can find to write on). Jot down a few initial ideas, or even just a few words that you can expand upon during your speech. If you don't write anything else, make sure you've written down your starting and ending sentences as these are the most important.

2. Decide on the tone Next, think about what tone to speak in. This will depend on the type of event you're at. For example, at a wedding you would speak informally and you can have fun with the speech, whereas at a business conference you would speak more formally and stick to a professional tone.

1. The 5 Ws Useful for when you're speaking about a person or specific event Following the 5 Ws provides instant structure to your speech and you'll be able to organise your thoughts in an easy-to-follow way. You don't even need to change the order - starting with ‘who' gives context to the speech and ending with ‘why' leaves the audience with the most important, relatable point.

In summary Being able to deliver an impromptu speech is an important skill to have and will save you a lot of anxiety when you're asked to speak at the last minute. To prepare yourself for the unknown, you could practice impromptu speaking so that your brain is trained to think on the spot. Not only is this an effective way to learn but it's also fun!

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