Slide Notes for Club Workshop: Preparing to Sound Spontaneous

The following are my slide notes for the first session of a workshop conducted at West Coast Toastmasters, held on the 23^rd October 2021.  As is my habit, the background notes of my slide deck are not exactly what I present, since my programmes are interactive. 

Slide 1: Definition: What is Impromptu Speaking? 

I always like to begin with definitions.  Definitions set the parameters of understanding what we are addressing. 

Impromptu speaking is a speech that a person delivers without predetermination or preparation. The speaker is most commonly provided with their topic in the form of a quotation, but the topic may also be presented as an object, proverb, one-word abstract, or one of the many alternative possibilities. 

James Calhoun Humes, former speechwriter for American presidents, said, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” 

Slide 2: Consider: When Do We Speak Impromptu? 

We use it all the time.  When you try to pick a girl up at the bar, when you have to answer a question in a job interview, when you try to pitch an idea to someone across the table; all these are examples of impromptu speaking. 

David Mackenzie Ogilvy, founder of Ogilvy & Mather, and considered the father of modern advertising, said, “If you are trying to persuade people to do something, or buy something, it seems to me you should use their language, the language in which they think.” 

Slide 3: Paradox: How Do We Prepare for the Impromptu? 

Here is a secret: as communicators, there is no such thing as an impromptu speech.  There are only more prepared speeches, and less prepared speeches.  The key to approaching the subject matter is not to address the subject first, but the mindset. 

Every one of us has a story.  We all have opinions on a variety of subjects.  In fact, we have friends, when given the correct topic, they simply cannot shut up.  We all have something to say, about something.  The question is, why do so many of us clam up when it comes to any form of impromptu speech? 

Mark Twain said, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” 

Mark Twain also said, “It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” 

Slide 4: First Obstacle: Our Fears 

Few people like to be called to stand in for a speaker for a few minutes.  As many of us have noted, on average, people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of death.  That means, at a funeral, many of us would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy.  That is a problem. 

Why are you afraid?  What is that fear?  We need to consider our fears.  We need to name them.  We need to define them.  That is how we diminish fear.  Fear is our projection of pain or loss in a possible future.  We are afraid of things that have not happened yet.  The remedy is to live in the moment, and address that moment. 

Dale Carnegie said, :Inaction breeds doubt and fear.  Action breeds confidence and courage.  If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it.  Go out and get busy.” 

If you want to conquer your fear of public speaking, then take advantage of the air time in your club, or if you do not have a club, then join one.  Speak here, make mistakes, fail miserably, have some fun, and then do it again and again and again.  Every time you speak, you do not need to be perfect.  You only need to be better than the last time. 

Slide 5: Second Obstacle: Our Lack of Belief 

Related to fear is insecurity.  People remain silent when they believe they have nothing that others want to hear.  They look down on themselves.  They lack belief.  Belief starts when we resolve to take that first step.  Belief without action is unrealised. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 

Slide 6: Third Obstacle: Our Lack of General Knowledge 

Sometimes, people keep quiet because they truly have no idea what to say.  It is better to remain silent, and thought a fool, than to speak and to remove all doubt.  Light travels faster than sound.  That is why certain people appear bright until you hear them speak.  Both these sayings have uncertain origin, which is why they are uncredited. 

The best way to address this is to develop an interest in the world, and have an opinion on developments and policies.  These things affect us.  We cannot exercise leadership in our sphere without any knowledge.  It is perfectly fine to be wrong.  That is how we learn. 

Slide 7: The Argument: P.R.E.P. 

There are several methods, but this is the most practical. 

Point: State your position.  You do not necessarily have to agree or disagree.  A quick thinker is able to reshape the argument and offer a different perspective.  The first 30 seconds is crucial.  This is where you seize their attention. 

Reason: Give a coherent, cogent argument for or against a contention.  It must be logical, or emotive. 

Example: Give one example to illustrate your point. 

Point: Restate your position.  When you bring a girl out on a date, bring her home.  When you bring your listeners somewhere, bring them back to the original contention. 

Rhetoric is the art of putting forth a coherent, cogent argument, for or against a point, in order to convince an audience to move to a position of your intent. 

Slide 8: Conclusion: Speak, & be Heard 

We have to communicate every day, anyway.  We might as well hone that skill.  What you need to remember is that it is not what you say, but what they hear, that matters.