Impromptu Speech

Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 explain an impromptu speech;

 follow tips on how to deliver an impromptu speech; and
 deliver an impromptu speech successfully.

How do you feel when your teacher calls on you to explain a particular concept? Do you get nervous
or rattled, or do you calmly give an answer?

Learn about it!

Impromptu Speech
Most of us, if not all, have been asked to speak with no warning or notice. In school, teachers often
call on students to express their opinions on some issue. At a wedding reception, a family member
or close friend is asked to say a few words about the newlyweds. At a party or gathering, someone is
called upon to say grace before meals. All of these situations may involve an impromptu speech.
An impromptu speech is made with no advance planning. Unlike in manuscript and memorized
speeches, an impromptu speech is delivered with very little or no preparation. It is generally
brief, and it is unrehearsed. The speaker does not have time to practice the speech.

People who are asked to give an impromptu speech are usually knowledgeable about the topic or
subject. Some politicians, for example, are asked by reporters about certain issues almost anywhere
and anytime. In a department meeting, a manager might ask a staff member for an update on a
current project. At a birthday party, a shy best friend may be prodded to say something about the
birthday celebrant.

Impromptu speaking is not for everyone. It can be unnerving to a person who is not used to speaking
in public, let alone on the spot. As a result, the impromptu speech may be incoherent because the
person feels anxious and uncomfortable. What should one do when asked to speak on the spur of
the moment?

Tips on How to Deliver an Impromptu

Speech
At some point in your life, you will be asked to deliver a speech spontaneously. You will have no time
to organize your ideas or to research information about the topic or subject. Since you are
unprepared, you may have difficulty in expressing your thoughts. Below are some tips you can do
when asked to give an impromptu speech.

1. Gather your thoughts. Think first before speaking. Relax, take a deep breath, look around, and
smile. Pause (for 2–3 seconds) to reflect and think about what you are going to say.

2. Consider the three major parts of a speech. Since you do not have time to prepare a detailed
outline, in your head, just think of an introduction, body, and conclusion for your speech. Make a
good introductory sentence about the topic to engage the audience.

3. Identify your main point(s). Think of the main point or idea you want to convey to the audience.
Then, support it briefly with details or good examples.

4. Keep your speech short. Be mindful of the time. Stop when you have made your point(s).
Remember, an impromptu speech is generally short.

5. End on a strong note. Give a memorable conclusion by tying all your points together. Relate your
conclusion back to the introduction.
6. Be confident. As you deliver your speech, show confidence and speak with conviction. Never
show the audience that you are nervous or frightened. Keep yourself together and just talk naturally.

Learn about it!

Practice thinking on your feet. Say the first thing that comes to mind when you hear each of the
following words:

School love

Family dream

Friend Philippines

Were you a quick thinker? Did you find it easy to think on the spot?

This time, practice impromptu speaking using the list of topics below. Give yourself 3–5 minutes to
talk about each of the topics. Apply the given tips you have learned.

 My favorite book or movie

 The best thing about my life
 If I could invent something
 The three things that make me happy
 The worst day of my life

Key Points
 An impromptu speech is made with no advance planning. It is delivered with very little or no
preparation.
 People who are asked to give an impromptu speech are usually knowledgeable about the
topic or subject.
 Impromptu speaking can be unnerving to a person who is not used to speaking in public, let
alone on the spot. Therefore, to successfully deliver an impromptu speech, follow these tips:
(1) gather your thoughts, (2) consider the three major parts of a speech, (3) identify the main
point or points, (4) keep the speech short, (5) end on a strong note, and (6) be confident.

Q1
This type of speech is delivered with no advance planning.

Exact Value
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Q2
Which of the following is not part of an impromptu speech?

Multiple Choice
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Q3
A person who is not used to public speaking may feel _ when asked to give an impromptu speech.

Multiple Choice
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Q4
The following statements is true about an impromptu speech except _.
Multiple Choice
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Q5
It is appropriate to ask someone to speak impromptu in the given situations except one. Which situation is it?

Multiple Choice
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Q6
Today is Jerome’s birthday. His family and friends are throwing him a surprise birthday party. As soon as the yells of “
surprise” died down, he picks up his glass and proposes a toast. What type of speech is Jerome delivering?

Multiple Choice
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Q7
Which of the following speech topics is best for impromptu speaking?

Multiple Choice
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Q8
Which of the following classroom activities involves impromptu speaking?

Multiple Choice
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Q9
Kim is migrating to Canada with her family, which is why her office mates are throwing her a farewell party. Her close
friend and colleague is asked to give a farewell message on the spur of the moment. She thought of saying the followi
ng message:

I’m really sad that you are leaving. It’s hard that I won’t get to see you every day at work. The office won’t be the sam
e without you. Thank you for the valuable friendship we shared.
______________________________________________.

Which of the following makes a good ending statement?

Multiple Choice
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Q10
Rhea’s last impromptu speech was unsuccessful. One reason is that she was really nervous. She sweated profusely
and she talked very softly. Another is that she rambled for several minutes. What two ways can Rhea do to overcome
these problems the next time she gives an impromptu speech?