6 Simple Tips To Ace Any Impromptu Situation

Public speaking is one of the biggest fears that people have. And when the spotlight is suddenly thrown on you, it is much harder!

People tend to clam up when it comes to thinking on their feet and making coherent sentences with the clock ticking by! And once they start speaking, they tend to ramble unable to keep the flow of thoughts in check.

So what's the right way to handle a situation like this?

In today's newsletter, I am going to share 6 simple tips to ace any impromptu situation.

Here are a few tips to ace any impromptu situation: l

1. Slow down

Our first impulse when we are given a topic or a question is to jump right in. Resist that. It's okay to take a few seconds to put your thoughts together. You could also buy some time with sentences like - that's a good question to ask or That's an interesting topic.

The same thing applies to your rate of speech too. Don't be in a hurry to get everything out. Take the time so that you are able to modulate your voice greatly adding to your impact.

2. Specify, don't generalise

People tend to get into generalisations on an impromptu topic. This leads us to ramble in all directions. For instance, a topic related to travel might elicit a lot of information on how travel can be so important for one's growth. Or something about involves a social situation, like, the new abortion law or gender equality.

General points on a topic aren't of any interest even though they are easy to come up with. Read the next tip to know how else can you deal with it.

3. Give an example

One of the best ways to avoid going general is to think of specific examples. Maybe times when you went traveling and what it taught you. Or a story about someone you who struggled with an unexpected conception.

A story, an anecdote, an example is a great way to build in some content into an impromptu situation.

4. Remember the audience

Impromptu situations are hard enough on the speaker. And if he (or she) is confused, imagine the plight of the audience that has no clue where you'd be going with the topic.

Take time to structure your thoughts. Use voice modulation to bring out the key points and emotions in your response. Your structure could be a pro/con list, a past and future update, a chronological account or just points of view with example. Make sure that the audience knows whichever it is that you choose.

5. Don't try to be perfect

An impromptu speech/answer/presentation will never be as polished as a TED Talk. So don't expect it to be that way. It's okay to pause and be informal. Being conversational is your best bet to face this challenge successfully.

If there's one tip I'd give you - it is to focus on your voice. Even if you response is 3 sentences, ensure that it's delivered well with your voice signalling the intro, the body and the conclusion.

6. Practice for impromptu situations

I know that it might seem odd to practice for a speaking situation I don't even know is going to come up. But then one does practice for ups and downs of roads while driving not knowing exactly when we'll encounter a terrain like that.

Google topics and practice everyday on a few topics. If you take questions after a presentation, practice answers to anticipated questions in advance. Look back on impromptu situations you've been in. Even though you might have done badly in them, visit them again just for practice.

When you have an handle on the techniques that make impromptu situations easier, they will become easier.

What's coming up on the topic?

Watch out for a video coming up tomorrow on how to deal with impromptu situations.

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