Impromptu Speech

Johan Othman
School of the Arts
Universiti Sains Malaysia

What?
Speech
a formal address delivered to an
audience

Impromptu
done without being planned
Not rehearsed
On the spot
Without notice
5 minutes +/-

When?
Wide range of scenarios Social/formal
Social events
Gatherings
meetings

Other scenarios
Scheduled speaker unavailable. Asked to
speak instead.
Answer questions from audience after own
talk. Q & A session.
Being interviewed tv, radio, telephone etc.
Invited to say a few words at a gathering.
Brief status report at a meeting.
Joining a debate.
Giving unplanned congratulation speech.

Common factors in social/formal

scenarios
Impromptu speech constitutes:
Unexpected questions surprise
High stake situations stress
Audience perception that you are
concerned about

Panic/embarrassment

What to do?
Turning down speech
Appear uncooperative

Accepting speech
Indicates team player
You will be sympathised more than
prepared speakers
Dont worry

How?
To sound confident
Knowledge
polished

to say a few words

Few words
Do not ramble talk at length in a
confused way

 Many approaches
Depend on context

For example:
Take note of important points
Introduction/Ending
Points, elaboration & examples

Context of interviews
STAR
Situation no details. Points. Context.
Task
Action what you did? Why did it?
Result

meetings
For example: Asking for your opinions
PREP
Point what is the subject?
Reason Why?
Examples Stories/elaborations
Point concluding point. Reiterate point.

Logical (reason)/Emotional
(examples/stories)
Keep balanced logic/emotion. Appeal to all
audience.

Social settings
Tell a story. Not facts.
Implication of the story what is the
point that you are making? What
does the story illustrates.
Finish strong. Closing.

 Open with personal experience

Theme
One that you know/understand unlikely
inaccurate about the topic.
To the point

Structure. Example: past, present, future.

End on strong note. Do not apologise.
Hand it off give floor back to host/ hope
all will enjoy the rest of the evening

Other approaches
Issue address it
Pros vs. cons benefits and
drawbacks
Conclusion conclude with
recommendation

5W

Who
What
When
Where
why

Body language/gesture
Connect with audience
Make eye contact
Make audience aware you are concerned
to deliver your talk
Show your confidence

 Changing standing position at every

main point when possible. But not
too much.
If blank
pause a moment. think. Ask questions.

Diction
Tone control nervous/calm

 Involve the audience seek

response, questions
Twist topic/relate topic
Humour/serious

Thank you