Wednesday, October 8, 2014

1. Gripe speeches (Wednesday group)
2. Practice impromptu speeches.

Tips for Impromptu Speech

GENERAL DIRECTIONS:  You will be given a topic.  You have five minutes to get your thoughts together.  Then you will speak on that quote for one minute.  You may have to wing (make part of the speech up as you go) since you don't have lots of time to write a speech.  For this reason, avoid trying to write out the speech word for word; this will only ensure you won't be able to make the time limit.  It is difficult to write a speech, word for word, in 5 minutes.  So you will have to flex your outlining and mental muscle.  Trust yourself.  You can deliver off a topical outline that just has your ideas on them, not full sentences.  This is a thinking exercise as much as it is a speaking exercise.  You will find, in many instances, impromptu speaking leaves you with a few minutes to put your thoughts together.  You really don't need much time to devise a speech.  It is in this time that you, the trained positive minded speaker, will organize your thoughts and thrive under pressure.  You are already equipped with the proper tools to do this exercise, believe it.  "Just be the ball, Danny." ("Caddyshack")

Impromptu Speaking Tips

First, relax and breathe, you need to write a speech in the next 5 minutes.

Focus on your topic and what it means to you; jot down some general ideas.

You might want to bring in a skeleton outline to use. (already prepared)

(for example):       

Intro:  

SP:  

Thesis:  

Body I. 

II.  

Conclusion

Practice a few trial outlines.

Rely on your experiences as you speak about your quote.  Add a few in, if you don't, you may go too short.

Don't shut yourself down, be open to all information

Mention the topic early in the speech so the audience understands it

Remember all good delivery techniques: eye contact and good volume

Make sure you mention the topic loud enough so the audience knows what you are speaking on.

Have a solid short intro and conclusion (remember keys to intro/conclusion = have a strategy, i.e. humor, question, etc.)

Fake enthusiasm and confidence if need be

Do not run out of the room screaming, "I can't do this!"

If you do run out of the room, stay in the building, we'll send someone out after you! (smile)

Some are philosophical and should cause you to think about life and yourself.

Don't write out a short scripted paragraph and then deliver that. You won't make the time limit.  It will always go short.

Read through the quotes a few times.  You may end up doing one you practiced on!