In contrast to a prepared speech, an impromptu speech is delivered within a limited time period and with minimal preparation.
The secret is to speak often and to practise for short periods. Remember to recognise and appreciate your progress.
- Teach yourself to improvise speeches by brainstorming ideas.
- Develop these ideas with effective introductions, content and conclusions.
The following points may help you to present this type of speech:
1. Decide on a topic.
- As with prepared speaking, the choice of topic should be one to which you can relate.
- You should have sufficient knowledge of the topic to be able to speak on it with limited access to reference material.
2. Brainstorm this topic in approximately thirty seconds.
- Present this aloud to yourself and perhaps to your mirror.
- It may help you to produce a Mind Map, flowchart or plot lines, using only keywords.
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3. You have the basis for an impromptu speech and need to develop the body.
- Focus and build on three aspects of your speech.
- This time give yourself three aspects of your speech.
- This time give yourself three to five minutes for preparation in order to refine, add or omit details.
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4. Construct an exiting introductory sentences and a memorable concluding sentence.
- Incorporate your introduction, body and conclusion.
5. Ensure you leave yourself enough time to practice the speech aloud.
- Depending on your grade, aim to speak for one to three minutes.
6. Deliver the speech and assess yourself.
- Did you think logically?
- Did you speak clearly and fluently?
- Did you achieve vocal and facial inflections?
- Was your stance poised and relaxed?
- Did you use pause effectively?
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Impromptu Speech is Like a Sandwich:
- Two slices of freshly baked bread become the introduction and the conclusion.
- Three fillings give the sandwich excitement and flavour.
These three fillings convey three aspects of the impromptu speech.
Source: EBH Joubert: The Impromptu Speech
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