Impromptu speech topics are some of the most difficult topic areas to handle in the world of public speaking.
Impromptu speeches are typically only given in a contest situation. While there are many real world applications for impromptu speaking, you will usually be given a fair measure of warning before you are asked to speak on a particular topic.In the classroom setting, however, you may be assigned impromptu speech topics to see how well you have developed your communication skills over the course period.Alternatively, you may be asked to speak in a competition setting, during which the judges will measure your public speaking skills against those of another speaker.
Or – in a business setting – you may have to give an “off the cuff” self introduction speech.Learning to deal with impromptu speeches is the key to your success in this very difficult area of communication.Having on hand a list of possible impromptu speech topics that you may want to practice with is a good way to be prepared if you are ever faced with this type of situation.The primary goal of issuing speeches of this type is to measure levels of communication ability.
Since this is the case, the information you offer on a topic may not be as important as the way you offer that information.The key to making this type of presentation work for you is to understand the heart of a good speech – structure.Organization is, easily, the most important part of public speaking. Because audience members are listening instead of visually recording information, presenting concepts to them in a logical, concrete manner is essential.
Speech Topic: Any good speech begins with a very basic introduction
Make sure that you capture the audience’s attention, whilst also offering listeners a glimpse at the reason you are speaking to them. Canned introductions, or those that work well for any situation, are the perfect lead in for impromptu speeches.For example, you could decide to start any impromptu speech with a personal example that is adaptable to any situation. You might decide to talk about an experience you had in the grocery store the other day.
This anecdote would work well for impromptu speech topics like food stamps or waiting in line as well as a host of others.
Speech Topic: Once you’ve polished your introduction off with a strong thesis statement, you are ready to move into the body of your speech.
Be sure that you not only state your main ideas in a clear, identifiable format, but you should also offer the audience clear, consistent transitions between ideas. Supporting information is essential in the body of your impromptu speech.
Speech Topic: Your conclusion should tie all of your ideas together for your listeners
Offer the entire conclusion with a sense of summarization and finality.You may not have the option of choosing your impromptu topics, but if you are given any options at all, be sure to choose topics about which you feel you have some level of knowledge. This will save you a bit of time, and it may help you to offer audience members a tone of authority with regard to your subject matter.Dealing with impromptu speech topics is never an easy task, but approaching the assignment with basic speech organization in mind should help you to attack your project with a degree of professionalism.
