Impromptu

Impromptu, which refers to anything done without being planned or rehearsed.

In the context of public speaking, it means giving a speech or performing without prior preparation.

Impromptu speaking might include answering unexpected questions during a Q&A session, giving a toast at a celebration where you weren’t planning to speak, or participating in Table Topics at a Toastmasters meeting

Impromptu skills are essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively under pressure. Impromptu speaking hones your ability to think quickly and maintain poise in unexpected situations.

To improve your impromptu speaking, try practicing with random topics or engaging in regular discussions without preparation.

This builds confidence and it sharpens your ability to articulate thoughts clearly and concisely on the fly.

As with any speech, start by defining the transformation—every journey needs a destination. How do you want your audience to be able to think, feel, or act differently after they heard you talk?

Let’s say you’re asked to give a short, impromptu speech on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

The transformation is simple, you get to enjoy a nutritious lunch that can be prepared quickly.

Now what are the steps to get there?

How about peanut butter, jelly, and bread. Now you have three talking points.

Craft an intro and you have a speech that’s as easy and fast to prepare as a good PBJ.