TAGBILARAN CITY COLLEGE

College of Business and Industry

Tagbilaran City, Bohol

Guene Maverie P. Dayan

Course Code GE5 Instructor
Mary Grace G. Maninantan, LPT
Purposive gmdayan.tcc@gmail.com
Course Title Email
Communication mgmaninantan.tcc@gmail.com
09455061900
Course Credits 3 Contact Number
09956373158
Course
General Education Consultation Hours
Classification
Consultation
Pre-Requisite(s) None Faculty Office / MS Teams
Venue

Learning Module 9:
Impromptu Speaking
Duration of Delivery: April 17-21, 2023
Due Date of Deliverable: April 24, 2023

Intended Learning Outcomes:

1. Determine situations where impromptu speech is applicable
2. Apply strategies in organizing impromptu speeches
3. Deliver an effective impromptu speech
4. Evaluate an impromptu speech

INPUT
We all experience frustration whenever we cannot say something about a concept during class
recitation or a few words to a friend during his/her party or about an event given the little time to
prepare and think. This is an example of an impromptu speech.

Overview of Impromptu Speech

Time differentiates impromptu speech from other types of speech. When you are called to deliver
an impromptu speech, you have limited preparation time (two minutes or even less in some instances).
In fact, if you notice, you always give impromptu speeches.

Examples: when you are asked to recite in class, when you are requested to give birthday
greetings, when you are tasked to thank, welcome, or congratulate someone, or when you are
required to react on an issue that involves you.

Since you have limited time to prepare for an impromptu speech, you should know some
strategies to deliver that speech effectively.

Some Time-tested Strategies

On-the-spot or impromptu speaking is indeed a challenge. But if you can master some time-tested
strategies to confront this kind of challenge, surely, you will be successful in communicating quickly and
sensibly for two to three minutes about anything without thinking too much.
 1. Use a virtual outline to structure your talk or response. Below are some examples.
a. Past, Present, Future
Example: In the past, I was not comfortable doing impromptu speaking because I could not
think right away of what to say maybe because of nervousness and limited preparation time.
At present, however I am enjoying it because I constantly practice and keep on participating
in any speaking situation. In the future, I look forward to teaching others how to tackle
impromptu speech situations.
b. Point-Reason-Example/Explanation-Point
Example:
Point: I love Facebook.
Reason Two reasons are: it helps me easily reconnect with old friends and it makes me more
updated of the happenings around me.
Example/ Through Facebook, I am able to contact my old friends in other countries and reminisce
Explanation about wonderful memories of the past. It is such a joy to reconnect with them. Also, through
posts on Facebook, I keep abreast of the current events, which have implications for my
role as a citizen of this nation.
Point: Facebook, indeed, is a useful social network site. That is why I love it.

c. Opening, Rule of Three, Clincher

Example:
Opening Every time I see homeless families, it breaks my heart. That is why I have been inspired in
doing three little things to help alleviate the poor conditions of these families.
Rule of Three 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 as well as their dreams and aspirations in life.
Second, I actively participate in organizing and facilitating livelihood programs for them.
Finally, I join the series of campaigns and awareness activities on fighting poverty by
different non-profit organizations.
Clincher These three are my baby steps toward achieving my vision of freeing this nation from the
bondage of poverty.

In some cases, you will encounter certain problems like not being aware about the topic or not being
interested in the topic. This usually happens and is, sometimes, inevitable. Distinguished Toastmaster
Craig Harrison shared the following strategies or frameworks that can help you address this dilemma.

a. Bridging. This is building a connection between what you don’t know to what you do know.
Example:
Topic:
You are asked about your reaction on the conflict in Russia.
Problem:
You have no knowledge about the existing conflict in Russia.
Solution:
Find a way to bridge what you don’t know and what you do know.
Response:
“I would imagine the conflict in Russia to be like a conflict in my own family.
 The following are some steps that I observed in patching up the conflict, which at the micro
level may be considered by the Russian government…”

b. Reframing. This is reframing, rephrasing, or redefining a topic the way you like it to be. This
usually occurs if you think the topic is inappropriate or it is not meant for you.

Suppose you’re given a topic you just do not like or one that is not right got you. Do not
despair – reframe it as one you would like to respond to. Redefine the topic as you believe
it should be, or at least the way you would like it to be. Keep the structure but alter the
subject. Rephrase the question or even challenge it; explain why the question given is not
the right question at all!

Example:
Topic: You are asked to compare two forms of government: democratic and parliamentary.
Problem:
You think that it is not right for you because you are a science major.
Solution:
Find a pair of anything that you think is worth comparing. You can compare natural science
and social science in terms of concepts and processes, or the computer and humans in
terms of capacity and efficiency.
Response:
“This reminds me of the complexities in differentiating two concepts in science. These are
natural science and social science. Just democratic and parliamentary, these two differ in
terms of concepts and processes…”

c. Playing the Devil’s Advocate. This refers to you are standing on the opposite side.
Example:
Topic: You are asked whether the government should allocate bigger budget for national
defense or not.
Problem:
You have no idea about the defense policy. Instead, you are more knowledgeable about
education.
Solution:
Say no to defense and yes to education.
Response:
“Instead of allocating more money to national defense, why not in education? Let me share
why education should be prioritized…”
2. Keep your speech brief and to the point.
3. Do not apologize and say, “So sorry, I’m not really good at giving impromptu speeches,” or “I’m
sorry I don’t know what to say. I have no idea.” Avoid saying something that will affect your
credibility as a speaker.
4. If you need time to process what to say, begin by greeting your audience. Acknowledge their
presence and thank them for coming to the presentation.
 5. Read. Read a lot so you are always well-informed of the happenings and knowledgeable about
any topic.
6. Create or recreate a story. In this sense, use your imagination and make up a story.
7. Speak slowly and clearly. Take a deep breath and stay calm.

Power Tips for Effective Impromptu Speech Delivery

Before the Smile. Just smile.
Speech Relax by thinking positive things. In mind, keep telling yourself “I am a brilliant
speaker. I will nail this presentation.”
Identify your purpose: to inform, to entertain to welcome, to congratulate, to
apologize, to give birthday greetings, etc.
Choose an appropriate structure for your speech. Start outlining in your head. Focus
on what to say first. Be reminded your first few words are crucial, so make them
strong, powerful, and catchy.
During the When you are called, keep composed, walk slowly to the lectern or center stage or
Speech microphone.
When necessary, shake hand with the one who introduced you.
As you stand to deliver, maintain eye contact, and begin right away with your
opening statements.
Part of your opening is greeting your audience.
From your initial idea to the next, use appropriate transitional devices. Examples
are, first-second-third, before-after, then-now, initially-finally, etc.
Observe time limit. Remember, you barely have five minutes to say something.
After the Say thank you.
Speech Return to your place comfortably.

References:
Purposive Communication in the 21st Century by Jessie S. Barrot Ph.D. and Philippe John F. Sipacio, Ph.D.