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Mastering Impromptu Speaking Skills

The document provides guidance on improving impromptu speaking abilities. It recommends listening to the question, pausing before responding, confirming what was asked, telling the essential points of the response, and ending concisely. Specific strategies are presented such as expressing an opinion, addressing cause and effect, breaking the topic into components, or discussing the past, present and future. The document also advises to avoid apologizing, rambling, or inventing information when speaking off the cuff. Practicing these techniques can help one become more prepared and confident when answering questions without advance notice.

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HB Dayaratne
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38 views25 pages

Mastering Impromptu Speaking Skills

The document provides guidance on improving impromptu speaking abilities. It recommends listening to the question, pausing before responding, confirming what was asked, telling the essential points of the response, and ending concisely. Specific strategies are presented such as expressing an opinion, addressing cause and effect, breaking the topic into components, or discussing the past, present and future. The document also advises to avoid apologizing, rambling, or inventing information when speaking off the cuff. Practicing these techniques can help one become more prepared and confident when answering questions without advance notice.

Uploaded by

HB Dayaratne
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Impromptu Speaking

By H.B. Dayaratne ACB, ALB

Feeling Put On The Spot?


Whats more challenging than
preparing to give a speech?
How about giving a speech
without advance preparation?

The Triumphs And Terrors Of


Table Topics
Immediately after being asked
a question, you are expected to
give a 2 minute answer that is:
- Organized
- Coherent
- Entertaining

Every day off-the-cuff speaking


opportunities

Three Approaches To Help


Applying Impromptu Speaking Tactics

- Structuring a response

Selecting A Strategy

- Thinking of what to say

Whatever You Do, Dont

- Short list of things not to do

Impromptu Speaking Tactics Is There A Formula?


We cant always anticipate a
questions content
Or predict when we will be
asked to give a few words
It is possible to become
better prepared and confident
to answer

There is A Formula !

When Giving An Impromptu Talk


1. Listen
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Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End
Dont just hear, be attentive
Use what you listened to as part
of your response:
- Resist speaking until ready
- Focus on what was said
- Agree/disagree with question

Listen: Advantages
According respect:
- Give respect by listening
- Gain respect in return
Ready-made dialog:
- Use what you heard in replying
- Directly comment on question

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End
Give your brain a chance to refresh
Adds drama
Acknowledge the question:
- Smile
- Nod
- No filler words (Ah, Um)

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End
Repeat question out loud:
- Give your mind a chance to
absorb concept
- Verify the topic, in case you
misunderstood the question

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End
Dazzle audience with your reply!
Stay focused on what you say
Express only the essential
points in your reply

Listen-Pause-Confirm-Tell-End!
Dont belabor your response
Bring your comments to a close:
- Summarize your main point
- Smile at the conclusion
- Make final eye contact
- Sit down!

Remember The Secret Formula

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Selecting A Strategy
- Thinking of what to say
Express an Opinion
Address Cause and Effect
Break the Topic into Components
Past, Present and Future
Just 3 or 4 points to make
during your speech

Strategies: Express An Opinion


State your opinion
Pro/Con, justify your position:
- One item of support to answer a
question
- Two or three items of support if
responding to a speech

Strategies: Address Cause And


Effect

State the situation


Discuss causes
Align with consequences
LOGICAL FLOW

Strategies: Break Topic Into


Components
Discuss each element
individually
Describe elements by their:
- Differences
- Difficulty
- Relative importance

Strategies: Discuss The Past,


Present, And Future
Establish a timeline reference:
- Assess the situation over a
period of time, consider:
- Benchmarks
- Milestones
- Historical significance

Selecting A Strategy Summary


Express an Opinion
Address Cause and Effect
Break the Topic into Components
Discuss the Past, Present and
Future

Whatever You Do, Dont


Short list of things not to do

Apologize
- Its annoying
Ramble
- Avoid verbatim
repetition
Invent
- Be sincere and honest

What We Learned Today


Impromptu Speaking Tactics
- Structuring a response
Impromptu Speaking Strategy
- Thinking of what to say
Whatever You Do, Dont
- Short list of things not to do

Wrap-up
To think on your feet is a good
habit to cultivate
It takes time and effort to
establish these habits
Practice these basic concepts to
accept the challenge of
Impromptu Speaking

Good Luck on Table Topics!

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