In life it may happen that you have to give an impromptu speech for various reasons: a competition, a particular exam, a party … with this guide, even the most intimidated by the "stage" will be able to do it.
Steps
Step 1. Get used to talking in front of other people
The truth is, even the quietest speakers tremble when it's time for them to deliver a speech. Even American sitcom stars get a little nervous when shooting live episodes.
Step 2. Remember your audience
Always maintain eye contact with the listener. Not only will it help you keep the public interest alive, it will also make you more confident. If your gaze falls on that one kid who's playing the fool and isn't listening to anything, ignore him. If you can't look anyone in the eye, fix your gaze on the front of the audience.
Step 3. Try to engage the audience
If you've ever heard someone grumble all the time, don't look up, and it's just plain boring, you know how awful this is. Try to upload your audience a little.
Step 4. Try to squeeze your topic
If you have to talk about something you can't relate to, try shifting it to a topic that is more congenial to you - just make sure it's connected enough to make sense.
Step 5. Use humor
Try to put some humor into the speech! Make people laugh, and they will automatically be engaged. If you're unsure of your joke, or if you think it's racist or hurt someone's feelings, then avoid saying it.
Step 6. If you are dealing with a more serious impromptu speech, you need to be confident
Chest out, back straight, look forward. This will make you look more "important" and also look more intimidating.
Advice
- Relax while you are talking.
- Passionate about whatever topic you will have to deal with: you will have to dedicate yourself body and soul to it.
- Speak at a steady speed - don't rush everything, and remember to breathe.
- As you prepare your speech, write a couple of sentences on each point, or try brainstorming.
- Tap into the passionate audience. Remember, once you have won over the audience, you will have won over your judges / teachers as well.
- Body language matters a lot. Act like you exude self-esteem!
- Try to read a lot of books on a variety of topics - this will give you tons of examples to incorporate into your speeches.
- Try to outline the 4 fundamental points of each speech.
- Improvisations DO NOT necessarily have to be expositions!
- The optimal duration (generally speaking) is 1 minute and 10 seconds.
- A great way to practice impromptu speech is to propose toasts during the holidays.
Warnings
- Make sure you present yourself in front of your audience without anything in your appearance to embarrass you. Ask a trusted friend to warn you if you have something stuck in your teeth (or better yet, you can use a hand mirror). Make sure you don't have anything sticky under your shoes, etc.
- If you don't know what to say, make sure you don't use prepared speech. If you have to be judged, your judges certainly won't appreciate it.
- Be careful not to say anything offensive. You would not only risk losing positions in the competition, but you could look like a bad person.
