Karen Donaldson Inc. – 3 Tips to Deliver a Solid Impromptu Speech

Being Prepared to be Unprepared: 3 Tips to Deliver a Solid Impromptu Speech

Have you ever been at an event or meeting, where you were not scheduled to speak, and then all of a sudden you heard: “And now I would like to invite [insert your name here] to share a few words.” You have just been completely blind-sided, you had no idea that you would be invited to address the audience or group, and you are totally unprepared.

Have you been there before?? I sure have.

The great news is that you can easily slam-dunk your 2 or 3 minutes of talking time like a pro. If and when this ever happens to you, here are a few tips that you can use the next time you are called upon to speak unexpectedly.

ONLY SHARE ONE KEY MESSAGE

Quickly decide what one message you want your audience to remember, and deliver that. Remember you are not giving a 40-minute speech; you have a few minutes at most. Sharing any more than one message is guaranteeing that not many people will remember what you said.

START WITH A POWERHO– USE OPENING, ENGAGE INSTANTLY!

Don’t go into verbal diarrhea and bore the audience. Start off really strong by engaging your audience as soon as you get in front of them. Your opening should be; a call to action, a question, a story, an anecdote or a statistic, to grab your audience’s attention and make them a part of what you are going to share. Then go straight into your ONE key message.

PLEASE, DO NOT START BY STATING YOUR NAME OR POSITION

Most likely the person who invited you up to speak has already introduced you, so your audience knows exactly who you are. Most people could care less about your position, your multitude of degrees, certifications, awards etc.

They are most interested in what you have to say – so get to it!

Use these tips to help you to prepare to be unprepared. No matter what your role in your organization, you want to be ready at all times to share your perspective, opinion, or position if asked at any given moment. Always walk into a meeting anticipating being asked to speak.

If the ‘ask’ doesn’t come, you can exhale.

 

 

If the ask does come, you are good to successfully forge ahead.

Essentially it is about doing more than “just” communicating, it’s about engaging and connecting with your people or your audience and being prepared to be unprepared – all of the time.

 

Karen Donaldson, Principal
“Your Next Level Coach”
Motivational Speaker…Communication and Self-Leadership Coach and Consultant

Karen Donaldson is a Self Leadership and Communication Coach International Motivational Speaker

Karen Donaldson Inc.
www.karendonaldsoninc.com
[email protected]
(416) 414-2082
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