Impromptu Speaking

Summary

This Toastmasters International video offers invaluable tips for impromptu speaking, a skill crucial in various settings like business and social events. It introduces the PREP formula (Point, Reason, Example, Point) and the Pros vs. Cons method to structure impromptu speeches effectively. The video emphasizes the importance of practice and provides strategies to avoid common pitfalls like rambling. For further development, it encourages joining a Toastmasters Club.

Takeaways

• 🎤 **Toastmasters International**: A platform since 1924 that has helped over 4 million people to improve their communication skills.
• 🗣️ **Impromptu Speaking Opportunities**: Common places include business meetings, conference calls, and social events like weddings and birthdays.
• 🤔 **Identifying Opportunities**: Recognize everyday situations like interacting with bank tellers or strangers as chances to practice impromptu speaking.
• 📈 **Technique: PREP Formula**: A method to structure impromptu speeches with Point, Reason, Example, and Point, suitable for business and formal settings.
• 🔍 **Pros vs Cons Method**: An alternative approach to manage speaking time by discussing the positive and negative aspects of a topic, followed by a recommendation.
• 👨‍🏫 **Personal Stories**: Use personal anecdotes to open your speech and engage the audience by acting as a moderator to extend speaking time if necessary.
• 🎯 **Mastering Impromptu Speaking**: The key is practice; embrace imperfection and focus on delivering with confidence rather than striving for perfection.
• 📝 **Avoiding Rambling**: To prevent going off track, draft an outline or notes before speaking to keep your ideas organized and on point.
• 💡 **Tips and Techniques**: Incorporate the strategies discussed to build confidence and improve the ability to speak spontaneously.
• 🌐 **Toastmasters Resources**: For further development, visit a local Toastmasters Club or www.toastmasters.org for more information on impromptu speaking.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video featuring Johnny?

The purpose of the video is to help viewers improve their impromptu speaking skills by providing tips and techniques from Toastmasters International, which has been helping people gain confidence in communication since 1924.

What are some common situations where impromptu speaking can be beneficial?

Impromptu speaking can be beneficial in social situations like weddings and birthdays, as well as in business meetings and conference calls.

What is the PREP formula mentioned in the script and how does it help in impromptu speaking?

The PREP formula stands for Point, Reason, Example, and Point. It helps structure an impromptu speech by starting with a clear point, explaining the reason for the topic, providing examples, and concluding with a restatement of the main point.

How does the Pros versus Cons method work in managing impromptu speaking time?

The Pros versus Cons method involves first addressing the positive aspects (pros) of an issue, then discussing the negative aspects (cons), and finally wrapping up with a recommendation based on the discussion.

What advice does the script give for someone who has to fill in for a speaker at short notice?

The script suggests that if you have to fill in for a speaker, think quickly about how to open and close your speech, consider sharing personal stories, and engage the audience by acting as a moderator to extend speaking time if necessary.

How can one avoid rambling during an impromptu speech?

To avoid rambling, the script advises drafting an outline before speaking, which can help keep the speech focused and on track, even if it's not always possible to prepare one.

What is the key to mastering impromptu speaking according to the video?

The key to mastering impromptu speaking is to practice in real-time situations, embracing the challenge and not stressing over perfection.

Why is it important to have fun while delivering an impromptu speech?

Having fun while delivering an impromptu speech can reduce stress and make the speaker more approachable, which is likely to be appreciated by the audience.

What is the role of Toastmasters International in helping people with public speaking?

Toastmasters International provides a supportive environment where people can practice and improve their public speaking and leadership skills through impromptu speaking opportunities and structured feedback.

How can one find a Toastmasters Club to practice impromptu speaking?

One can find a Toastmasters Club by visiting www.toastmasters.org and using the location finder to locate a club near them.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Introduction to Impromptu Speaking

The video introduces Johnny, the host, and mentions Toastmasters International, an organization that has been helping individuals enhance their communication skills since 1924. The video aims to assist viewers in impromptu speaking, a valuable skill for various situations like social events and business meetings. It outlines a series of tips to handle spontaneous speaking opportunities effectively.

🗣️ Identifying Speaking Opportunities

This section discusses various scenarios where impromptu speaking can be practiced, such as business meetings, conference calls, and everyday interactions. It emphasizes the importance of these opportunities, including social events like weddings and retirement parties, for honing impromptu speaking skills.

📝 Techniques for Managing Impromptu Speeches

The video presents the 'PREP' formula as a technique to manage impromptu speeches, which stands for Point, Reason, Example, and Point. It explains how to use this method to structure speeches clearly and keep ideas on track. Another technique mentioned is the 'Pros versus Cons' method, which is suitable for business settings and everyday conversations.

🎭 Engaging the Audience and Delivering Speeches

The script advises on how to engage the audience by sharing personal stories and acting as a moderator to extend speaking time if necessary. It emphasizes the importance of practice and not being a perfectionist when it comes to impromptu speaking. The video also suggests drafting an outline before speaking to avoid rambling and ensure a clear delivery.

🌟 Benefits and Resources for Improving Impromptu Speaking

The video highlights the benefits of spontaneous speeches, such as building confidence and improving communication skills. It encourages viewers to practice impromptu speaking in real-time and provides a resource for further information, directing them to visit a Toastmasters Club for more guidance on honing their impromptu speaking skills.

Keywords

💡Toastmasters International

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Founded in 1924, it has helped over 4 million people to gain confidence in communication. In the video, Toastmasters is presented as a resource for individuals looking to improve their impromptu speaking skills.

💡Impromptu Speaking

Impromptu speaking refers to the ability to speak effectively without prior preparation, often in response to a sudden request or situation. The video emphasizes the importance of this skill, suggesting it can be beneficial in both social and business contexts. It is a central theme of the video, with various techniques provided to help viewers become better at impromptu speaking.

💡PREP Formula

The PREP formula is a simple method for structuring impromptu speeches, standing for Point, Reason, Example, and Point. It is introduced in the video as a technique to help speakers organize their thoughts quickly and effectively. The script uses this formula as an example of how to start with a clear point, explain the reason for discussing the topic, give examples, and then conclude with a restatement of the main point.

💡Pros and Cons

Discussing the pros and cons is a method for managing speaking time by outlining the positive aspects (pros) and the negative aspects (cons) of a topic. This technique is mentioned in the video as a way to structure an impromptu speech, particularly useful in business meetings and everyday settings where a balanced view of an issue is required.

💡Personal Stories

Personal stories are used as a way to open a speech and connect with the audience on a more personal level. The video suggests that sharing personal anecdotes can be an effective way to begin an impromptu speech, as it helps to engage the audience and make the speaker more relatable.

💡Moderator

In the context of impromptu speaking, acting as a moderator involves encouraging audience participation through questions and answers. The video script suggests this as a strategy to extend speaking time and keep the audience engaged when filling in for a speaker.

💡Real-time Practice

Real-time practice is emphasized as the key to mastering impromptu speaking. The video encourages viewers to practice speaking spontaneously in real situations to build confidence and skill. It suggests that the only way to improve is by jumping in and speaking without the safety net of preparation.

💡Perfectionism

Perfectionism is mentioned as a potential obstacle to impromptu speaking, as it can cause undue stress and hesitation. The video advises speakers to focus on having fun and being courageous rather than striving for perfection, which can detract from the natural flow of an impromptu speech.

💡Rambling

Rambling is identified as a common pitfall of impromptu speaking, where speakers tend to go off on tangents and lose focus. The video suggests drafting an outline or taking a moment to gather thoughts before speaking as a way to avoid this issue and maintain a clear, concise message.

💡Outline

An outline is a structured plan for a speech, including the main points and supporting details. The video recommends creating an outline as a way to guide impromptu speeches and prevent rambling. While it may not always be possible to prepare a full outline, the video suggests taking a moment to jot down key points as a helpful strategy.

💡Confidence

Confidence is a key outcome of effective impromptu speaking, as it allows individuals to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively in any situation. The video's theme revolves around building this confidence through practice and the application of various speaking techniques.

Highlights

Toastmasters International has helped over 4 million people gain confidence in communication since 1924.

Impromptu speaking is a valuable skill for social and business situations.

Business meetings and conference calls are structured settings to practice impromptu speaking.

Everyday interactions like speaking with a bank teller or customer service can also be opportunities for impromptu practice.

Social events like weddings and retirement parties are perfect for practicing heartfelt impromptu speeches.

The PREP formula (Point, Reason, Example, Point) is introduced as a technique for impromptu speaking.

Start your speech with a clear point, explain your reasoning, give examples, and conclude with a point.

The Pros and Cons method is another technique for managing impromptu speaking time.

Address the pros first, then the cons, and conclude with a recommendation.

Personal stories can be used to open an impromptu speech and engage the audience.

Acting as a moderator by encouraging Q&A can help extend speaking time if needed.

The key to mastering impromptu speaking is practicing in real-time.

Embrace imperfection and focus on having fun during impromptu speeches.

Avoid the pitfall of rambling by drafting an outline before speaking.

Incorporate the tips and techniques discussed to build confidence in impromptu speaking.

Visit a Toastmasters Club for more information on impromptu speaking and to find a location near you.

Transcripts

[Music]

hello I'm Johnny have you ever attended

a meeting or event where you were asked

to fill in or take the place of another

speaker thanks for visiting Toastmasters

International since 1924 we've helped

more than 4 million people gain the

confidence to communicate in any

situation this video is part of a series

of Toastmasters time tested tips that

will help you whenever you are put on

the spot to

speak impromptu speaking is a skill that

everyone can benefit from it can help

you in social situations such as

weddings and birthdays or even

business we'll Begin by identifying

several impromptu speaking opportunities

then we'll move on to techniques to

manage last minute speeches and finally

we'll talk about the benefits of

spontaneous

[Music]

speeches let's begin with the many

opportunities to practice speaking

spontaneously business meetings and

conference calls are structured settings

that can help you test your impromptu

speaking skills there are many everyday

opportunities to practice as well such

as speaking with a bank teller customer

service representative or even a

stranger at the grocery

store most likely you will attend a

wedding retirement or engagement party

now these events are perfect

opportunities to practice impromptu

speaking from the heart

[Music]

now that we've pinpointed a few

potential places to practice let's take

a closer look at the techniques to help

you manage your impromptu speaking the

first approach is a simple formula known

as prep which stands for Point reason

example Point start your speech by

making a clear point about the subject

next explain why you are speaking on the

topic then give a few examples to bring

life to your story and finally

end with a concluding point that wraps

up your

speech by following this flow you'll be

able to clearly State your main point

and help keep your ideas on course prep

is an excellent fit for business

meetings conference calls and even

interviews another way to manage your

speaking time is by following the pros

versus cons or positive and negative

method set up the issue by addressing

the pros first the cons second and then

neatly wrap up your point with your

recommendation Pros versus cons work

works well in business meetings

conference calls and in everyday

[Music]

settings if you find yourself filling in

for a speaker quickly think about how

you would open and close your speech you

may Begin by sharing a few personal

stories and then Engage The Audience by

acting as a moderator by encouraging

questions and answers to extend the

speaking time if

needed now that you've finished your

speech spech it's time to concentrate on

the final and most important step

delivering your impromptu

speech the only way to master impromptu

speaking is by jumping in and practicing

in real time if you struggle with being

a perfectionist don't stress simply try

to have fun most people at the event

will applaud your courage and

willingness to stand in it's important

to know one of the pitfalls of speaking

at a moment's notice and that is the

tendency to

ramble the best way to alleviate this

problem is to draft an outline before

you go on stage this may not always be

possible but if you can take a moment to

write a few notes to help guide you

along incorporate the tips and

techniques we've just covered and in no

time you'll be amazed at how quickly

you'll have the confidence to be a great

impromptu

speaker for more information on

impromptu speaking please visit a

Toastmasters Club find a location near

you at www.toastmasters.org

[Music]