Public Speaking Tips

Impromptu Speaking: Prepare

How can you prepare?

The very best impromptu speeches are the ones written well in advance.
— Ruth Gordon

Impromptu speeches look impressive. The emcee calls someone to the stage. That person grabs the mic and owns the audience.

Incredible! How cool is that, to be so in touch and comfortable that this looks so easy!

Usually, it isn’t easy. The speaker expected to speak. It could be the invitation was planned. Either way, the speaker showed up ready.

Sometimes, the speaker has given so many talks on the topic at hand that he practiced, as it were, by presenting. Stump speeches are this way. With each new town, the politician gives the same old talk. It is new to that audience and so it seems fresh. Leaders of larger non-profits give the same talk frequently as well.

Both the politician and the NGO leader know their mission. They know why they are speaking. Do you?

That’s the first place to start. Know who you are. What’s your role in the organization?

Know your topic. You probably already do.

Next up — and this takes a little work. What event are you attending? That is, what’s it about? Cybersecurity? And that’s your field (because that’s why you are attending)? How does your expertise segue with the topic? Put together some notes. Look up relevant data. Memorize. After all, impromptu speakers don’t have notes.

Prepare and practice some success stories or other anecdotes. Know them so well that you can adjust their length to fit the speaking opportunity. A 10-minute story might need to be squeezed into three minutes. Make it happen. Then, know the point of the story. Contact us if you need help with this.

And that’s why, kids, you should never enter a stranger’s home just because you smell porridge.

This will help you nail the message. You will be able to not only clearly finish your story, but you’ll demonstrate why they should be glad they listened to you.

Any leader attending an event, especially one hosted or sponsored by their company, needs to be so ready that they are eager to grab the mic. Immediately, thank the emcee.

Thank you, Susie. I’m glad to be here. I’m still learning — aren’t we all?

The thank-you will allow you to move more smoothly into your talking points.

Regarding talking points, try to have several just in case, but offer just one. You aren’t there to take over. You just want to address one thing. Show your expert knowledge, answering the question at hand, and give the mic back.

Keep current with the issues and news, even doing a quick check that day. 

Memorize your company slogan, mission, and vision statements.

Above all, prepare and practice.

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