Impromptu Speaking used in public speaking presentation
Impromptu speaking is sometimes called “speaking off the cuff,” a phrase that suggests that you could put all your notes on the cuff of your shirt. Impromptu speaking is useful when you have little or no time for preparation or practice. The incident we described in Chapter 8, in which we learned during a zoning hearing that developers were proposing a helicopter port in our neighborhood, called for an impromptu speech. At work you might find yourself being asked to make a presentation “in fifteen minutes.” In meetings you may want to “say a few words” about something. You can also use impromptu speaking skills in other classes—to answer a question or comment on a point made by your professor.
When you have just a few minutes to prepare, first determine your purpose. What do you want the audience to know? Why is this important? Next, decide on your main points. Don’t try to cover too much. Limit yourself to no more than three main points. If you have access to any type of writing material—a note pad, a scrap of paper—jot down a memory-jogging word for each idea, either in order of importance or as the ideas seem to flow naturally. The skeletal outline on the following page will keep you from rambling or forgetting something that is important. Stick to the main points, enumerating them as you go: “My first point is. . . . Second, it is important to. . . . Finally, it is clear that. . . .“ Use the PREP formula: State a point, give a reason or example, then restate the point. Keep your presentation short and end with a summary of your remarks.
Point: The proposal to allow John Clark to operate a helicopter
port in the neighborhood is not sound.
Reason(s)! The noise generated by helicopters taking off and
Example(s): landing would destroy the tranquility of this quiet
residential neighborhood. It would be especially
disturbing to the residents of the nursing home one
block from the proposed facility.
Restatement
of Point: Therefore, we ask you to vote against this proposal.
An impromptu speech often is one of several such speeches as people express their ideas in meetings. The earlier speeches create the context for your presentation. If others stood at the front of the room to speak, you should do so as well. If earlier speakers remained seated, you may wish to do the same. However, you should consider whether earlier speakers have been successful. If these speakers offended listeners while making standing presentations, you may wish to remain seated to differentiate yourself from them. If seated speakers have made trivial presentations, you may wish to stand to signal that what you are going to say is important.
Fortunately, most impromptu speaking situations are relatively casual. No one expects a polished presentation on a moment’s notice. However, the ability to organize your ideas quickly and effectively and to present them confidently puts you at a great advantage. The principles of preparing speeches that you learn in this course can help you become a more effective impromptu speaker.