There are times when we are asked to say a “few words” about either someone or a topic we have not planned. Has this ever happened to you? Be prepared to rise to the challenge – “Of course I’ll speak with pleasure and say a few words about……..” Remember you have been selected to speak because of WHAT and WHO your are.

<B>Below are some tips you can use.</B>

• Decide quickly what your one message will be – remember you have not been asked to give a speech but to make some impromptu remarks. Limit yourself to no more that three points. Pick one message or comment and focus on that one main idea. Use the PREP formula: state a point, give a reason or example, then restate the point.

• Do not try and memorise what you will say - most impromptu speaking situations are casual. You are not expected to give a polished presentation, but the ability to organize your ideas quickly and effectively puts you at a great advantage.

• Start off strong and with confidence – getting started is the most difficult. Plan what your first sentence will be. After you have decided on your opening remark come up with a simple transition statement that takes you to your main point.

• Occasionally throw in an off-the-cuff remark – impromptu speaking is sometimes called “speaking off the cuff". Because you want your style to be flexible and seem impromptu, trust your instinct and add a few words which just pop into your head. Keep it conversational and think of the audience as a group of your friends.

• Speak from the heart and maintain eye contact with your audience. Focus on communicating WITH your audience and not speaking AT the crowd.

• Finally have a good conclusion – don’t just end abruptly. Keep your presentation short and end with a summary of your remarks. Give your audience the feeling that you have said all that you want to and that you are in control. Once you have made the last point, you can then turn control back to the person who asked you to speak.

“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech” <B>Mark TWAIN</B>