WEEK 3- Delivering an Impromptu Speech

The feature that distinguishes impromptu from other types of speech is time. Impromptu
speech involves unrehearsed speaking with very short time for preparation. In fact, many of the
speeches that you give are impromptu. You can be asked to introduce, to thank, to inspire, to welcome,
to entertain, and to congratulate. No matter what the purpose is, all entails little time to prepare. The
challenge is how you can deliver such speech effectively.

Patterns of Organizing an Impromptu Speech

1. PREP Method
Point: State your position on the topic
Reason: State your reason for taking the position
Example: Provide an example that helps explain your reason
Restatement of Point: Summarize and restate your position

Example:

P- The point that I wish to make is that impromptu speaking is an essential skill to have.

R- Being able to speak effectively with little preparation is very empowering.

E- I can remember my sister being called to speak in front of her colleagues. At first, she
struggled; but because she knows some techniques in delivering an impromptu speech, the
struggles were turned into opportunities, opportunities to showcase her speaking skills and wit.
Now, she is more confident, more vibrant, more alive, more willing to take risks not only in
speaking but also in whatever she does.

P- When a person becomes more comfortable in speaking even with less preparation, he or she
becomes more empowered and stronger.

2. Point- Support- Conclusion (PSC) Method

Point: Provide your point of view, key idea or objective

Support: Provide stories or examples that help prove your point

Conclusion: End by restating your point of view or key idea and by making your call to action

3. Past- Present- Future (PPF) Method

Point: State your point
Past: Discuss what happened in the past
Present: Discuss what is occurring today
Future: Tell your audience about what will or could happen in the future
Point: Summarize by restating your key point

Tips in Delivering an Impromptu Speech

Before the Speech

1. Do deep breathing
2. If time permits, sketch a quick outline
3. Determine your purpose
4. Decide on your main point which should be no more than three

During Speech

1. When you are called, do not make any flimsy reaction. This behavior damages your
credibility as a speaker.
2. Maintain eye contact as soon as you stand in front.
3. Begin your speech with an attention getter. It can be in a form of quotation, anecdote,
question, statistics, startling statement, or humor. Use whichever is appropriate for your
topic.
4. Go slow. Do not be in a rush because it will only increase your feeling of uneasiness.
5. Use effective transitions: “My first point… Second… Finally…” Think as if you are having a
conversation with a friend. This strategy could help you release tension in your nerves.
6. Use appropriate humor in your speech; but if you are not good at humor, do not attempt to
do so.
7. Smile and exude confidence. Do this by maintaining good posture and stance. Keep in mind
what your nonverbal cues communicate.
8. Avoid cliches and trite expressions. Overused phrases have already lost their impact.
9. Do not use too much jargon. Your purpose is to communicate and not to impress.
10. Though it is understandable that you feel nervous, do not make movements like constant
moving from one point to another.
11. Pause without a look of panic on your face; you will appear thoughtful and careful, and your
audience will respect you for that.

After the Speech

1. Say thank you if necessary

2. Return to your place comfortably.