How to Give an Impromptu Speech

Did you know that more people fear giving a public speech than dying? And for many of those who are uneasy about speaking in front of an audience, the impromptu speech is the scariest type of speech. The lack of preparation time can exponentially increase how much anxiety you feel before and during the talk. However, by following these tips you can be better prepared to give your next impromptu speech-which itself allows for virtually no preparation:
1. Don't rush.
Just because your preparation time is short, doesn't mean that you need to (or should) rush in giving the speech. Your audience will likely understand the situation, so go ahead and tell them when you haven't had time to prepare for the speech, and when you need some time to gather your thoughts.
2. Keep the speech short and to the point.
Since you've had minimal or no time to prepare for speech, the speech isn't expected to be as long as a "War and Peace" audio book. Instead, mention the main points you want to cover, without going into a lengthy explanations. Typically, an impromptu speech should only last a few minutes or so. Don't spend time talking about what you're going to say, or reviewing what you've said-just get to it!
3. Stick to the facts.
As many celebrities will tell you, impromptu speeches can be embarrassing. In particular, make sure that everything you include in your impromptu speech is factual. If you're uncertain whether information is factual, then don't include it in your speech. Also, if you share personal experiences, then qualify them as such.
4. Talk about what you know.
This will help to avoid any possible missteps when giving your impromptu speech. Avoid addressing issues that you're unfamiliar with, as the results could potentially be devastating.
5. Choose a general direction.
While you'll have to do this on-the-fly, this step will help to shape your impromptu speech. For instance, do you want the tone of the talk to be formal or informal? Do you want to add humor to your talk (and just as important--would it be appropriate?)? Address these questions as you walk up to a podium or wait for the audience to settle down.
6. Create a rapport with the audience.
You could include a humorous story or discuss information that the whole audience can relate to. The key is to capture the audience's attention, and then hold it until you utter your last word. One of the most effective methods is to establish the talk's tone early.
7. Create a skeleton outline whenever possible.
Sometimes you'll have some time to do some preparation for your speech. When you're in that situation, take a few minutes to create a skeleton outline. That will help to cover the main points you want to discuss, and to keep the impromptu speech as organized as possible.
While many of us are petrified about giving impromptu speeches, taking these steps can make you confident about giving them. In mere minutes you can create a lasting impression.
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Author: Graeme Renwall has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. He enjoys keeping fit and music but his current passion is parenting. Take a look at his selection of educational toys including Little Tikes Swings and the Little Tikes Jungle Gym, both of which stimulate the mind and help to keep children active.