Impromptu

Speech
What is Impromptu Speech?
Impromptu Speeches are delivered with little or no time for
preparation. In most instances, you are called to speak at the spur of the
moment because you are expected to be knowledgeable about the subject.

For example, your teacher assigned you to read an article before the class starts.
Then, during the class you were asked to deliver an impromptu speech about what you
have learned from the article. Another instance to Illustrate an impromptu situation is
when you are asked by a friend or a relative about your current or planned vacation trip;
or when you are campaigning for a position in school and you are asked by your fellow
students to respond to their questions.
Strategies in Organizing and Delivering
an Impromptu Speech
Below are some of the strategies that you can follow when you organize and deliver an
impromptu speech.

• Past, Present, Future

Example: In the past, I was not comfortable in making impromptu
speeches because I could not think right away of what to say; maybe because
it was of nervousness and lack of time to prepare. At present, however, I am
enjoying it because I constantly practice and keep on exposing myself to any
speaking situation. In the future, I look forward to teaching others how to
survive impromptu speech situations.
• Point – Reason – Example/Explanation – Point
Example:

Point I love Facebook.

I have two reasons for this: one, it helps me easily reconnect with old
Reason friends; and, two, I am updated on the happenings around me.

Through Facebook, I am able to contact my old friends from other

countries and reminisce about wonderful memories. I am glad to able
Example/ to reconnect with friends even if it’s only through online means. Also,
through posts on Facebook, I learn about the current events in the
Explanation country–a fact which has a bearing on my role as a citizen of this
nation.

Facebook, indeed, is a useful social networking site. That is why I love

Point it.
• Opening, Rule of Three, Clincher
Example:

Every time I see homeless families, it breaks my heart. That’s why I try
Opening to do at least three little things to help them.

• First, I feature them in my writings which I submit to editors for

publication. I highlight their sad and bad experiences living in the
streets and their dreams and aspirations in life.
Rule of Three • Second, I actively participate in organizing and facilitating livelihood
programs with these families.
• Finally, I join different nonprofit organizations in campaigns and
awareness activities against poverty.

These three are my baby steps toward achieving my vision of helping

Clincher homeless people and freeing the nation from the bondage of poverty.
 In some cases, you may find yourself unaware or uninterested in the topic. This
usually happens and it is inevitable. Distinguished Toastmaster Craig Harrison (2010)
shares the following strategies that can help you address the problem.
• Bridging – This entails building a connection between what you do know
and what you do not know.
Example:

Topic You are asked about your reaction on the conflict in Russia.

You have no knowledge about the existing conflict in Russia because you do
Problem not follow it.

Solution Find a way to bridge what you don’t know and what you do know.

“I would imagine the conflict in Russia to be like a conflict in my own family.

Response The following are some steps that I observed in patching up the conflict,
which, in a micro level, may be considered by the Russian government…”
• Reframing – This means rephrasing or redefining the topic into something that you
want to talk about. This usually occurs if you think the topic is inappropriate or it is
not meant for you.
Example:
You are asked to compare two forms of government: democratic and
Topic parliamentary.

Problem You think that it is not right for you because you are a science major.

Find a pair of anything that you think is worth comparing. You can compare
Solution natural science and social science in terms of concepts and processes, or
computers and humans in terms of capacity and efficiency.

“This question reminds me of the complexities in differentiating two

concepts in science. These are natural science and social science. Just like
Response democratic and parliamentary, these two differ in concepts and
processes…”
• Playing Devil’s Advocate – This refers to you standing on the opposite side.
Example:

You are asked to whether or not the government should allocate a

Topic bigger budget for national defense.

You have no idea about the defense system and you are more
Problem knowledgeable with education.

Solution Say no to defense and yes to education..

“Instead of allocating more money to national defense, why not allot

Response it to education? Let me tell you why education should be
prioritized…”
Useful Tips in Effective Impromptu
Delivery Speech
Before the Speech
• Smile.
• Relax by thinking about positive things.
• Identify your purpose.
• Think of one big word that can serve as your main point. If you
think you have enough, think or the rule of three.
• Start outlining in your head. Focus on what to say first.
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During the Speech
• When you are called, keep composed.
• Shake hands with the one who introduced you, if necessary.
• As you stand to deliver, establish eye contact, and begin right away with
your opening statements.
• From your initial idea to the next, use appropriate transitional devices.
• Observe appropriate and effective nonverbal cues.
• Observe time limit.

After the Speech

• Say thank you.
• Return to your place comfortably.
Fin.
Thank you for
listening!