how to make an unprepared speech

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15 Best Impromptu Speech Tips (With Examples)

An impromptu speech is often the scariest type of speech you can make because you don’t get to prepare or predetermine what you’re going to say.

The speaker only gets a topic given in the form of a quotation, object, or proverb, and they have to do their best to deliver long-awaited answers.

Impromptu speech doesn’t have to be a full speech on its own. It can be a combination of answers to short quotations or terms provided during interviews or live discussions broadcast on the television.

While you can’t prepare yourself for the impromptu speech since you might not have any idea what you’ll be asked, you can still work on improving your speech and dialog with the help of the tips below!

I have also listed some great examples of impromptu speeches to give you an idea of what I am talking about.

Also Read : Common Weaknesses List & Examples

15 Best Impromptu Speech Tips

These 15 tips will let you know exactly how to behave during an impromptu speech, how to know what and when to say, and how to guide your speech without having too many pauses or breaks in between.

1. Hold it Together (Be Confident)

Impromptu speeches might happen suddenly for many reasons, and often, you might find yourself in front of the audience without even agreeing to it.

No matter what happens during the speech, you have to assure yourself that you’ll be alright. This means you should look up, never avoid eye contact, and breathe deeply. Thinking about something positive is a confidence boost you might need to get through the speech.

2. Focus on Your Audience

When you’re starting your impromptu speech, keep in mind that you’re not going against the audience, yet the audience will be on your side.

Therefore, you should work with the audience and focus your speech around something positive and helpful to the audience.

The goal is to have the audience listen and understand what you’re saying in your impromptu speech but also respond to the things you’re saying. Being confident in front of the audience is one thing you should do, while the other is to focus on the audience and plan a structure you’ll learn in the next tip.

3. Plan a Structure

Even though you might not be prepared for a speech, you will still be able to quickly develop a speech structure in your head as soon as you hear the topic, question, or object you’re given to talk about.

Every speech structure should include three steps and the speech can be structured around almost anything. The most popular structures are:

• Past/present/future
• Cause/effect/remedy
• Before/the event/the result

Think of the structure as a guideline of your speech that will help you get from start to finish as smoothly as possible. Another thing to keep in mind is that you can tell your structure/plan to your audience so they can easily keep up with your speech and know what to expect from it.

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4. Don’t Ramble

When you come up with a quick structure for your impromptu speech, you’re left to deliver the speech, but one thing you should keep in mind is not to ramble.

Rambling won’t get you anywhere; you’ll feel unease, and your audience won’t follow your speech easily.

Instead, it would help if you stuck to the “less is more” saying, stick to the target, and keep things short and to the point.

With a proper structure plan, you’ll have three key points (no matter what they are), so by splitting your speech into three sections, you’ll be able to judge how much time you should spend talking about each section.

5. Stand Out

Many try to stand out by actions, gestures, and confidence during their impromptu speech. While this is also important, there’s something even more important.

The first and the last sentence are the most memorable. It’s all about the primacy and recency, and most of the audience will most likely remember the first and the last thing you say.

Therefore, starting and finishing with powerful sentences that go well with your given topic and are linked to the message you deliver in the speech is super important as it will have the biggest impact if properly executed.

6. Talk as if You Were Talking to a Friend

Talking in front of the audience can be scary, but without preparation, talking in front of the audience can be even scarier.

Instead of feeling the pressure, feeling uncomfortable, or sweating buckets, you should go on with your impromptu speech as if you were talking to a group of friends.

You don’t have to fake anything, as the audience will see right through it. Instead, be yourself and try to do your best as this will always provide a better result.

Also Read : Best Executive Summary Examples

7. Tell a Relevant Story to Personalize Your Speech

The great thing about impromptu speeches is that they can go in your favor. If you don’t know what to talk about or what to include in your speech, here’s one tip that can help change the way you do your speech.

Try to think of a personal story that will be relevant to the subject of your impromptu speech. This will give you a topic to talk about, you won’t have to do any research or try to come up with facts that you will have to somehow back up, and your audience will love a personal story.

Personal stories are always easier to follow, and they’ll always go down well with any audience. Another piece of advice is to include a personal story in the middle section of your speech, but you can place it somewhere near the beginning of the speech.

8. Pay Attention to Your Voice Tone

When you take care of everything else before the speech and during the speech itself, many speakers forget to think of the voice tone.

There’s not much to overthink and you should speak slowly. Rushing might get you near the end sooner, but your speech won’t be a smooth ride.

Instead, take your time, focus on your breathing, rely on pauses, and have an impact while you deliver the key parts of the speech.

9. Make Sure to Follow Your Speech with Confident Actions

Confident actions are the most powerful body language actions that are not hard to get right, yet you might have to remind yourself to be “presentable”.

Standing tall on both your feet, not slouching over, keeping eye contact, using hand gestures, and avoiding fiddling are some of the things that will make you look confident.

Such confident actions will go well with your speech structure, confident voice tone, and relaxed, personalized speech.

Learning a couple of hand gestures will also put you at ease as you won’t have to wonder what to do with your hands during the speech.

10. Don’t Aim for Perfection

Every speaker wishes for their speech to be perfect, but an impromptu speech is the worst time to expect a perfect speech from yourself.

Therefore, it’s okay to lower the bar and focus on the execution and let the main goal be the smooth flow.

Setting the bar too high will only put you under pressure. In reality, most impromptu speeches happen due to unpredicted reasons, so if you’re put under the spotlight unwillingly and unprepared, the audience will notice, and they’ll understand, so there’s nothing to be afraid of.

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11. Practice Beforehand

You might not ever be prepared for a specific impromptu speech, but if you’ve been put into the spotlight once, you can be put under the spotlight again.

What you can do is practice quickly coming up with a speech structure on any given topic. Even if you have only a couple of minutes, you can develop a quick and concise structure and rehearse it in your head or in front of a mirror before you go in front of the audience.

And if you have a couple of hours, you can do a lot of practicing and even go through all these tips and be fully ready, no matter what the audience throws at you.

12. Use Humor to Break the Ice

No matter what the speech is about, you can always add a bit of humor to it. Don’t overdo it, but even a tiny bit of humor can help you make a better connection with your audience, ensure they pay attention to what you’re saying, and that they’re intrigued to hear what’s next.

Followed with a personalized story, you’ll have the audience hooked up until the end of the speech.

Of course, humor should come naturally, and you shouldn’t do it if you feel like you have to force it. But keep in mind that humor can be a great ice breaker, so it’s never a bad idea to keep it as a “secret weapon”.

13. The Meaningful Pause

Unfortunately, you’ll likely feel stuck or not know what to say next during your impromptu speech.

Just the thought of this can paralyze many speakers who are put under the spotlight. However, there’s a quick tip you can use to turn the block in your head into an advantage.

Instead of worrying if your audience noticed, try to “fake” a meaningful pause whenever you’re feeling stuck. During this pause, you can relax, and sooner than you know it, you will think of something.

The best thing is, your audience will never notice that “something’s wrong”, and yet this will also give them a breather and help them continue following your speech.

14. Keep Things Short

Less is more, and during impromptu speeches that can go extremely wrong, it’s better to cut your speech short and yet deliver everything you believe is valuable to the audience.

In other words, it’s better to regret not saying something than to say too much and then be on the spot from where you can’t turn back.

Also, keeping things short will help you stay in control of your impromptu speech and even look a lot more confident during your performance!

15. Try Turning the Impromptu Speech into Q&A Session

Since most impromptu speeches happen unexpectedly, not only will you have to come up with something from nothing, but you’ll also have to give the audience something you’re looking for.

Therefore, depending on the setting of your speech, you might try and turn your impromptu speech into a Q&A session, just like the journalistic interview type.

This will help you think less about what your whole speech will look like and focus on things the audience asks you in pieces.

You’ll still have full control over the answer, so turning a speech into a Q&A session is never a bad idea.

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Best Impromptu Speech Examples

We’ll now take a look at some of the best examples of impromptu speeches to draw inspiration from.

University of Kentucky – Speech and Debate Team

In this impromptu speech example, the speaker only took two minutes for a quick structure plan from where she was put under the spotlight straight away.

A great start with a personalized story that leads straight into the argument. During the argument, clear signs of uncertainty are visible, but the speaker did well by slowing the speech down and taking a couple of very short meaningful pauses.

Prepared with examples which is a bonus, the speaker went through her speech structure with ease. There were moments where the speaker was nervous, but she kept it well together and even seemed confident in her speech at times.

Use gestures, confident actions, eye contact with the audience, and all other positive things you can learn from the tips above.

Closing the speech without any rumbling and getting the point straight across to the audience is a memorable way to end the speech, which is why this is one of many perfect examples of an impromptu speech.

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Chris Gurrie Impromptu Speech Example

This is a short yet educative impromptu speech example where the speaker, Chris Gurrie, gets assigned a random topic by the audience and then guides the viewers of this video on how to plan a perfect impromptu speech structure.

While you would usually have around two minutes for the planning and practice process, Chris does it in about 30 seconds.

Chris starts his impromptu speech with many questions that come from a personalized story that then leads into the main topic of the speech.

What Chris also does is focuses on his audience and he shares his planned structure.

Chris’s impromptu speech is full of valuable information the audience might not have been aware of, which then ties to things on a larger scale. Even though Chris only took 30 seconds to work on the speech plan, he looks very relaxed, confident, with a strong game right until the end of the speech.

What’s interesting enough is that if you didn’t know this was an impromptu speech, you might not even know. Therefore, this is a perfect example of how good you can get at impromptu speeches without knowing the subject beforehand.

Toastmaster International – Impromptu Speaking

If you prefer learning from a video example, this four-minute video is everything you’ll need to gain the confidence to do an impromptu speech.

In this example, you’ll learn opportunities where impromptu speaking might be required. Of course, all of the opportunities are the ones where you don’t have much time to prepare.

However, with the techniques covered in this example video, you’ll learn how to manage last-minute speeches.

Lastly, the video will teach you all the benefits of holding impromptu speeches.

Even though this is an educational-type video, if you have a better look, you would notice that this whole video is less than five minutes long, and it’s scripted in a way to serve as yet another impromptu speech example.

Therefore, as you learn how to perform an impromptu speech, you’re watching an impromptu speech which is a brilliant idea.

Preparing yourself for an impromptu speech is only half the job, so in this video, you also learn how to deliver your impromptu speech with more useful tips.

Impromptu Speech Example: Thesis-Point-Story Format

Planning a structure for your impromptu speech is super important. The thing about the structure is that you can develop any three- or four-step process that will get you through the speech.

This video is a perfect example of a thesis-point-story format where Chris, the speaker, gets assigned a random topic from where he creates the thesis-point structure, shares it with the students, and gets down to the speech itself.

With word play, Chris slowly introduces the topic to the audience, and while he speaks to his students as his friends, he is getting down to the story’s main point.

As Chris goes through his impromptu speech, you can also notice that he asks the audience plenty of questions, and by answering his questions, he is slowly revealing the whole story behind the point of his impromptu speech.

Even though this example might be a bit complicated to understand, you can also learn from Chris’s body language, how he speaks, and how he controls his speech as he’s a highly skilled impromptu speaker.

Angel Anderson – Impromptu Speech Example

In this four-minute impromptu speech example video, Angel Anderson teaches you exactly what impromptu speaking is, how to practice it, and even shows an example full of important tips that can help you develop the same skills.

Angel uses a question-style topic, after which he sets the timer for two minutes for his impromptu speech.

With this type of question, Angel starts his impromptu speech with a personal story that gets interesting, which ensures that the audience follows him.

Not only did Angel answer a question, but he also shared an anecdotal story, and even then, he shared some more information connected to this story.

By far, Angel’s video is not the perfect impromptu speech, but it’s a real example of how easily you can work on your impromptu speech, practice, and learn as you progress.

Of course, this example is ideal for all interview-type impromptu speeches, which can be as hard as the topic-type speeches.

Impromptu speech can seem scary at first, but with plenty of preparation and practice, you will be able to speak on any topic without much preparation.

These 15 tips are everything you’ll need to start, develop, and finish your impromptu speech while being confident both verbally and nonverbally.

On top of that, these five examples show you how impromptu speech is done first-hand. Remember that you shouldn’t aim for perfection, but even tiny improvements are a good step forward to achieving a decent impromptu speech.

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

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How to Ace the Impromptu Speech

Several readers sent in questions related to impromptu speeches, including Matthias K.:

I’m pretty comfortable when I have days or even weeks to prepare a speech, but I REALLY struggle when I’m asked to speak at a moment’s notice. Do you have any tips for impromptu speaking?

In this article, you’ll find a set of tips that will make you shine the next time you are asked to speak on the spur of the moment.

Impromptu Speech Scenarios

Impromptu speaking may not be as glamorous as prepared speaking, but it is an equally vital skill simply because there are so many scenarios where you find yourself speaking without more than a few moments of preparation. It’s no surprise that “impromptu speaking sessions” are found within Toastmasters meetings , college communications courses, and public speaking seminars.

Consider just a few situations where you find yourself speaking off the cuff:

• The scheduled speaker is unavailable (or late), and you’ve been asked to fill in.
• You are sitting on a panel answering questions from the audience.
• You are fielding questions after your own talk (yes, your Q&A session is impromptu speaking)
• You are being interviewed on television, radio, webinar, or telephone.
• You are invited (at the last moment) to say a few words at a company gathering.
• You are asked to provide a brief status report for your project at a department meeting.
• You are motivated to join the debate at the parent association meeting for your child’s school.
• You decide to give an unplanned toast at an event with family or friends.

It’s also worth noting the irony that the better you are at giving prepared speeches, the more often you will be invited to speak with no time for preparation at all. Your friends and colleagues will recognize your speaking skill, and when they need “someone” to say a few words… you’ll be that someone!

Winning Strategies for Impromptu Speeches

Although you may only have a few seconds to prepare for any particular impromptu situation, you certainly can prepare yourself to be ready when called upon.

Here are a few strategies you can use:

Anticipate situations where you may be called upon to speak. For example, if you are attending an engagement party for a close friend or family member, there’s a reasonable chance that you might be asked to speak. Similarly, if one of your close colleagues is scheduled to speak (e.g. your boss, your peer, or your report), it’s also reasonable to assume that you will find yourself speaking. As you head to the event, do a few mental exercises, trying to guess what you might be asked to speak about, and how you would respond. Even if your guess isn’t accurate, it’s amazing how those prior thoughts will help you think on your feet when you are asked to speak.

Wrap your response around a simple template, or framework. If you practice this a few times, you will find that your mini-speeches are much more polished and coherent. A few easy frameworks include:

• P.R.E.P. (Point. Reason. Example. Point) – Start off by clearly stating your point. Share the primary reason (or reasons, if you have more time). Then, share an example (preferably in story form) where your main point or reason is supported. Finally, conclude by summarizing your central point again. The template works well in many situations, and is easily adapted.
• Issue, Pros vs. Cons, Conclusions  – Start off by framing the issue. Talk about the benefits, and then talk about the drawbacks. Conclude with your recommendation.
• 5W – In this pattern, you cover your topic by addressing the Who, What, When, Where, and Why elements. For example, if you’ve been asked to speak briefly about a fundraising initiative, you could talk about [1] who started it, and who is involved now; [2] what the goals are; [3] when it started, and the schedule for the future; [4] where does it take place; and [5] why are you involved. This template works nicely, largely because the “why?” comes last, because this is often the most critical information.

Turn your impromptu session into a Q&A session. In situations where you are asked to fill in when the schedule speaker is absent, it may not be wise to launch into a 45 minute impromptu speech. Even the most accomplished speakers are prone to meander in that situation. Instead, reframe the session as a Q&A session, which breaks it up into a series of very small impromptu speeches that are probably easier for you to answer individually. Plus, the content comes directly from the audience, so you are guaranteed to deliver what they are seeking.

Use personal stories. Storytelling is an essential skill for prepared speaking, but it is equally useful for impromptu speaking as well. Stories are emotional, real, and interesting. If you stick to personal stories, you’ll find that it is much easier to speak (even without preparation) because the events happened to you.

Avoid the tendency to go on, and on, and on.  Craft a coherent message, and then be quiet. Rambling on will only weaken your overall speech. If you must fill more time, shift into a Q&A.

Go easy on yourself. We all want to speak perfectly every time, but demanding perfection from yourself in an impromptu speech is setting the bar too high. The audience (probably) recognizes that you’ve been thrown in at the last minute, and they will understand.

Your Turn: What’s Your Opinion?

Do you have any proven strategies for mastering the impromptu speech?

Please share in the comments .

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21 comments.

Great ideas – and I like the simple structures PREP, I-P&C-C, 5W – quick tools to put structure into your talk 2 minutes before standing up.

The real challenge is closing an impromptu speech – so often the lack of preparation of a good opening leaves it difficult to do a great closing – and you end up with a tepid “well… that’s it… thanks”

Always try to be prepared for the “Impromptu Speech.”

A Police Chief once told me he takes it as a given that when attending Chamber and other events, the emcee will usually say, “And let’s hear a few words from our city’s Top Cop. Come on up here, Chief!”

I like your idea, Andrew, of the Q&A Session. If you don’t know the answer, or just want to involve more people, the answer to the question can be thrown back to the audience.

Thanks for the Post!

I have always been an impromptu speaker. I loose my confidence when I prepare my speech. Which I do well, but at times, I miss out on important issues and also I can’t time my speech

At one point in my career, I was constantly confronted with impromptu speaking situations–the speech literally being planned between chair and podium.

The challenge was how to make the speech coherent and focused with no time to labor over an outline.

One speaker suggested simply picking an object on the way…and using the elements of that object as points for the speech. We might use an object that has an obvious connection with the topic, say a “ball point pen” used for points on communication, but that is not necessary, a shoe or a flower arrangement could be used as well.

So, it begins, “this common shoe tells us everything we need to know about time management…..” –first, like a good shoe, it has to fit you and your distinctive personality… –second, like the sole, it must both protect you from the dynamics of the outside world, and give you traction… –Finally, like the shoe in its totality, you must use it or it cannot fulfill its function no matter how well designed…

This actually works so well, I have used it to create outlines for writing and prepared speeches…a structured brain storming.

God bless and Merry Christmas

hi thanks so much for addressing an issue I had requested for too, only not so articulately.

If it is impromptu it is a not really a speech. It is more you giving your off the cuff thoughts about something. By the very nature of being unprepared you can be prepared for them. But you can learn to be good communicator and share your well organized thoughts about something *whenever* you are asked.

An “impromptu speech” is no different than a coworker or a spouse asking you your opinion about something.

The ‘template’ advice is spot on Andrew. A well structured speech will always sound professional. To what you’ve said here I’d add that when time to prepare is short, make best use of it by working out the opening (an arresting attention getter) and the close (something they’ll always remember). Somehow you’ll be able to speak your way from one to the other!

excellent suggestion! Will give it a go 🙂

I always enjoy your write ups. Impromptu speaking is the monster in many people’s nightmares. . . Your suggestions are very valid.

Nice! I remember my speech teacher getting me to use the 5W’s when doing impromptu speeches years ago. I’ve never been as strong with impromptu side of things in comparison to prepared speeches, so thanks for sharing your excellent strategies! Will use.

I really have a hard time getting my confidence. I thank you for sharing this knowledge and may help any body who wants to be a good public speaker. May God Bless You!

hi your articles are really great.they will be helpful during the public speaking competitions

I have an impromptu speaking competition coming up. I get any topic in the world from the adjudicator and have 5 minutes of preparation. I must speak for at least 2 minutes. I had a practice round yesterday, but it went really badly. My topic was ‘Know Your Limits’ and it came out a bit disastrous. Do you have a fully formed plan or something I could follow in regards to any topic that could come up? Thank you.

Hey Ashley, I realize you posted your comment months ago, but I also have an impromptu speaking competition coming up in days, just like yours. You must have finished your competition by now, and I was wondering whether you have any tips you could give me? I have the same problem you do. Thanks.

If you start with an intro Attention Getter – grab your audience Thesis – what is my topic Preview of Points – then talk about each point specifically then conclude with Review – what did i just talk about Thesis – what was the topic and a Tieback to the attention getter

This helps my students succeed. At least a minute of talking with an introduction and conclusion and a minute on each point, you have a minimum of a 4 minute speech! Just think, process and come up with points about your topic and you will do great!

I find the articles very interesting and informative.

I SOMETIMES EXPERIENCE SOME CHALLENGES WHEN REQUESTED TO GIVE AN IMPROMPTU SPEECH. I WOULD BE GLAD TO SUBSCRIBE SO THAT I CAN EQUIP MYSELF WITH SKILLS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING.

IMPROMPTU 1 Pick topic from here and now–I usually talk about talking impromptu 2 Quickly pick ending to guide your talk–I usually invite them to give an impromptu talk soon.

Love these tips. Spot on!

I have developed this website for practicing impromptu speech with an active time. Please feel free to use it impromptuspeech.net

This was helpful for a project in working on for the next few days

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4 Blog Links

How to Ace the Short, Impromptu Speech | EFL Tips - Resources for EFL Students — Jan 19th, 2012

Impromptu speaking – strategies for winging it « Speak well, do well! — May 10th, 2012

Useful resources to help you get ready for the contests « Toast of CIBC Toastmasters Blog — Sep 12th, 2012

Donn King's Corner » Blog Archive » Prepare to speak without preparation — Nov 12th, 2012

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Examples of How to Give an Impromptu Speech

Did you know that the most memorable part of one of the most famous speeches in history was not part of the script?

An impromptu speech can feel intimidating. After all, you’ve probably heard that you need to prepare well in advance to give an effective speech. But in truth,  a short speech that you give directly from your heart can reach your audience and stir them to action .

How to Give an Impromptu Speech

An impromptu speech is a public address that the speaker hasn’t planned on giving beforehand. As such, it can be an intimidating prospect, especially for those who feel they lack public speaking and communication skills. Impromptu speaking means you didn’t prepare for the moment, meaning you have to do everything on the fly. Even with experience, you’re not always guaranteed a successful speech. It truly is one of the most difficult public speaking skills to master.

Impromptu Speech Topics

An impromptu speech example.

First, understand that the stakes are fairly low in this type of setting. You don’t need to stress over what to say, but that’s not an excuse to ramble on about whatever comes to mind. That would be an impromptu speaking failure.

The Advantages of an Impromptu Speech

Even if you’re still nervous about giving an impromptu speech on a specific topic, there are several advantages you should know about. As mentioned above, people are generally forgiving when it comes to spur-of-the-moment speeches derived from personal experience. You don’t have to worry about being overly eloquent or super organized. As long as you practice  charismatic leadership , you’ll have their attention all the same.

Your story should indicate what drives you and motivates your  decision-making . Over time, you can refine that story until you’re ready to share it at a moment’s notice. In that way, you can be sure your impromptu speech will leave a lasting impact.

Need a little extra help with a speech?  Check out these articles.

Speech Outline: How to Get the Most Out of Your Next Speech

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Impromptu speech outline: 7 formats

How to prepare for an impromptu speech.

By:  Susan Dugdale  

Using a speech outline to prepare an impromptu speech seems counterintuitive, doesn't it? After all, impromptu means of the moment, spontaneous, without preparation. So, what is an impromptu speech outline?

Quite simply it’s the structure, or format of your speech. It’s how you order your material from the time you open your mouth at the beginning of your speech, until you close it at the end.

An outline doesn’t need to be a written document or put on note cards to be effective. An experienced impromptu speaker will have an assortment of structural patterns memorized. When they’re asked to speak, they’ll mentally flick through them and choose the most appropriate.

Following an outline lessens the possibility of rambling aimlessly off topic. And, given my flibberty gibbet tendencies it's vital! Maybe yours too?☺

What's on this page

Seven structural patterns , each with example impromptu speech outlines and a printable blank outline template to download.

How to use these structural patterns : guidelines for practice

About the printable impromptu speech outlines

How to reframe a topic : examples of openings showing how to adapt a topic.

The patterns are: 

• Point, Reason, Example, Point (PREP)

Past, Present, Future

Problem, solution.

• Pros/Cons, Positives/Negatives, For/Against, Advantages/Disadvantages

Cause, Effect, Remedy

• Before/The Event/The Result

Local, National, International

 How to use these structural patterns

To become a competent impromptu speaker you need to get familiar with them. So initially just play with them for practice either with a friend or by yourself.

• Get a subject to talk about. (Click for 150 impromptu speaking topics ).
• Choose yourself a pattern to form the body of speech.
• Now go. Open your mouth and speak.

You’ll need an introduction followed by your material organized according to whatever pattern you’ve selected, and then a conclusion.

Keep it simple. You don’t need to try hard to say devastatingly intelligent insightful things. The starting goal is to get used to thinking, then speaking, without a great deal of prior preparation.

This is impromptu speaking, ‘off the cuff’, largely spontaneous. Be honest and where you can, add personal stories. Your own experiences, plus your knowledge of the subject, will establish rapport and credibility. Don’t be afraid to experiment, or 'fail', as that's how you'll learn.

If your content at this stage is trite nonsense and you putter out of ideas too soon, so be it. At the beginning it’s more important to learn to let go of feeling anxious, inadequate and the need for perfection. 

Once you’re used to a pattern, and can follow it easily without having to stop and think about which part comes next, you’ll naturally come up with better material.

Along with examples of each impromptu speech outline structure there's a link to a blank printable. There are seven of them: one for each pattern. They are there for you to use as a guide. You'll find the links for them below the example outlines. 

Each outline has the same four step format.

The first step is mentally preparing yourself: sorting out your topic, considering your audience and working out what tone best fits with them, as well as your speech purpose. 

The second step covers preparing the introduction, the third, the body, and the fourth and final step, the conclusion.

Your chosen structural pattern is the body  

The third step, the body of your speech, holds the specific pattern you’re working with. It’s this step, the body, you’ll want to focus on first when you’re practicing. After you’ve set your topic allow yourself a few minutes to think it through (or make notes) using the pattern headings as a guide.

Once you feel comfortable with the body, you’ll find the openings and conclusions become much easier.

Getting the time and content balance right

The overall length of your speech or the time you take to deliver it is, to a large part, determined by how much information you put into the body. Obviously one or two main points and their supporting material will take less time than three or four.

( Practice will help you confidently and reliably get the balance of time to content right. Click the link for  examples of one minute speeches  prepared using the Point-Reason-Example-Point (PREP) pattern. They'll give you an idea of what's required.)

Practice, practice, and then do it some more

You don’t need to follow each of the four steps of the outline slavishly. However, to use that old cliché, before you can run, you need to know how to walk. So before giving yourself permission to try to improvise and dazzle publicly, ground yourself in structure. Give yourself a solid baseline to work from.

There’s no secret behind becoming more confident and competent reasonably quickly. It’s practice. Lots of it.

Time and record yourself. Play it back and listen carefully.

Is there a good opening? Have you followed the pattern you chose in the body of the speech? Is it clear? Have you got clean transitions between each part of your speech and the one following it? Is there a strong ending? And are the words you’ve chosen, as well as the way you use them, right for your subject, the purpose of the speech and your intended audience?

And lastly, learn one pattern well before you work with another.

Effective impromptu speech activities 

If you teach a public speaking or communication class or lead a public speaking group, here's  a comprehensive bundle of   17 proven fun and effective impromptu speech activities , complete with full guidelines and printables. They ease, rather than jettison, students into impromptu speaking one step at a time.  

How to reframe a topic

Sometimes when you're asked to speak on a topic you'll find yourself needing to modify it before going ahead.

Or maybe you want confirmation that you've understood what you're being asked to speak about.

Here are examples of three ways to reframe the topic as part of your opening. They are particularly useful for Question and Answer sessions.

Add them to your practice too.

1. Give the topic a scope. This establishes what you're prepared to cover.  

For example: Thanks. That’s a great question. I am happy to share what has happened since I joined the organization in 2020.

Or:  Thanks, that’s a great, and very big question. I don’t have time right now to cover all aspects of it. So here’s the first part. If anybody would like me to follow up with the second and third, please see me later and we’ll make a time.

2. Summarize and ask for confirmation. Use this technique to  make sure you’ve understood what’s being asked of you before you answer. 

Example:  Thank you for your question. It's an important one and I want to make sure I’ve understood it correctly before answering. You want to know why we’re not mobilizing the Defense Force to clear protesters from the streets, is that right?

3. Redirecting, reshaping the question or angle, before responding . This can be useful when you want to give a bigger picture, or establish context - something the original question didn't allow for.

Example: You’ve asked about using the Defense Force to clear the streets. Let’s consider the precedents for that: the 1951 Waterfront Dispute, Bastion Point, 1978, and the anti-Springbok rugby tour protest in 1981. What have they taught us?

7 impromptu speech outline patterns

Please note, these examples are not complete speech outlines. In most instances they don't include the opening or the conclusion. What they do is illustrate seven ways to organize material in the body of the speech. And some of the examples are more fleshed out than others.

 PREP: Point, Reason, Example, Point

PREP is an acronym for: Point, Reason, Example, Point. The pattern adapts well to most situations.

Here are two PREP impromptu speech outline examples: one for a social setting and one for business or workplace audiences. You can also see it in action on this page of one minute speech topics where I've used it in three sample one minute speech outlines.

PREP impromptu speech outline: workplace 

Topic: Cameras off during a virtual team meeting

Point: Human Resources are reporting numerous requests from employees to be allowed to leave their cameras off during routine virtual (zoom) meetings.

Reason: The reason most frequently given is fatigue due to  strain 

Examples: It is hard to:

• maintain focus while looking at a grid of faces for the length of an entire meeting,
• see yourself on camera and NOT respond to it,
• be physically constrained in a small space in order to remain on camera,
• arrange life so it doesn’t intrude in the form of kittens, babies or anything else while on camera,
• have your colleagues in your home without having issued the invitation yourself.

Point: And that’s why we’ve asked Human Resources to develop a set of guidelines to cover when cameras should be on, and when they can be turned off. If you have any suggestions or points you’d like them to consider, please get them by Friday.

For more: 

• Bailenson, J. N. (2021). Nonverbal Overload: A Theoretical Argument for the Causes of Zoom Fatigue . Technology, Mind, and Behavior, 2(1). 
• Should We Require Students to Turn Their Cameras On in the Zoom Classroom?   Anna Lännström, Stonehill College. Published by Wabash Center, 2020  

PREP impromptu speech outline example: social

A toast to acknowledge friend’s engagement

Point: It’s a joy to join you celebrating Ryan and Mary’s engagement.

Reason(s): There’s dozens of reasons for my being pleased to be here. We haven’t got time for them all. So here’s three. The first goes back a long way to when we were ten years old. I’m never going going to get married, he said. Thanks to Mary, look at you now! I am delighted you have to eat those words. The second reason is quite selfish. At least the field is cleared now because he’s well and truly spoken for. Hi ya singletons out there! And the third and most important is because I’ve never seen Ryan quite so deliriously crazy happy, ever, in all the years I’ve known him.

Example(s): This is the man who has spent all his weekends for last year renovating the house they share. You know it’s got to be the real thing when unclogging drains, getting rid of rat nests and replacing rotten window frames is better than time out with me and the boys. When you add making significant positive changes to his eating and drinking habits, throw in running a kilometer or two or three or more, several times a week, it’s proof. You’ve got be happy to do any of that!

Point: Which in turn, makes me happy too. Here's to Ryan and Mary!

Download PREP impromptu speech outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use: PREP impromptu speech outline

Use this pattern if you want apply a time line treatment to a subject.

Topic: In your experience what's an effective way of getting children to eat vegetables?

In the past:

When I was a child not eating whatever was served was not an option. It didn’t matter if it was something dreaded like cauliflower, broccoli or spinach. It was on the plate. Therefore it needed to be chewed and swallowed. If it wasn’t you were in for a long sit at the table. Because both you and the plate of food remained in place until the plate was cleared. This as a technique was a failure. It built resentment rather than a love of vegetables.

That kind of stand off would not happen nowadays. I have more tolerance than my parents for children whose taste buds do not thrill to strong tasting vegetables. The only thing I ask of my kids, is that they try a little of each new one when it is served. If they don’t like it, they can put it to one side. Alongside that, we use vegetables as snacks, sneak them into purees and sauces, get the kids involved in choosing and cooking them, and set an example by eating copious quantities of them ourselves.

Our diets are changing. They are becoming increasingly plant based. Vegetables are no longer an accompaniment, an after-thought. Instead they’re center plate – up front and proud. 

Perhaps the infamous battle over vegetables will disappear entirely. It’s my hope that through showing greater tolerance of our children’s preferences and by being more creative with how we introduce them into their diets, that the issue will simply cease to be one.

Vive la broccoli!  

Topic: What are the most popular and enduring toys for children?

Past : Toys that sold well: Teddy bears, named after Theodore Roosevelt 1902, yo-yos – 1928, Silly Putty, 1955, GI Joe – dolls for boys, 1960s, including two that have kept right on selling;

Present: Lego from Denmark, 1932, and Barbie from USA, 1959

Future : More Lego, more Barbies who are more diverse, more skin types and shapes. Both seem set for along time yet.

Download Past, Present, Future outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use:  Past, Present, Future impromptu speech outline

This is a simple two part pattern: here’s the problem. Now here’s the solution.

Example: The problem is congestion on our main city roads during peak hours.

The solution is to:

• reroute heavy vehicles over those hours
• look carefully at the current design of the roundabouts, on and off ramps and laybys and update them if necessary 
• adjust the speed limit

Example: The problem is maintaining a work routine while working from home

• make yourself a dedicated work space.
• set yourself regular hours for getting up, having breakfast, being at your desk, lunch etc.
• establish clear boundaries around your work time for family and friends. Being in the same room or the next one, doesn’t mean you’re available.
• prioritize your tasks for the day each morning.

Download Problem, Solution outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use: Problem, Solution impromptu speech outline

Pros and Cons, Positives and Negatives

This is a useful beginning point toward answering the classic ‘what shall I do?’ dilemmas.

Setting out the pros and cons * of a situation gives us an overview, which we can then use to help make a rational, considered decision.

* 16th century: from Latin  prō  for + con, from  contrā  against

Dilemma:  Whether or not to go to university

• New experiences, new people, broadens outlook
• Builds networking opportunities, long term friendships, & professional relationships
• After graduation enter workforce at different level – a leg up because core competencies already established
• Scholarships available
• Leadership and extension activities/clubs available
• High levels of personal debt
• Difficult to sustain oneself mentally, physically and financially without support
• Doesn’t guarantee a job on graduation
• Doesn’t train you for a specific vocation
• Doesn’t automatically mean entry into higher paying job

Dilemma:  Whether or not to buy cheap or fast fashion

• Affordable – instantly gratifying
• Up to the minute clothing – democratization of fashion – not just for elite rich
• Can follow the trend – included rather than excluded on price
• Can change mind and buy more if don’t like what you have – not going to cause you hardship
• Profitable for retailers and manufacturers
• pollution: people throw out their clothes which then enter land fills
• waste: breeds throwaway mentality – chuck rather than mend
• loss of skills: how to mend clothing: sew on buttons, fix a fallen hem, patch a rip etc.
• exploitation of woman and children in 3rd world countries: low wages, and unsafe workplaces

For more: Fast Fashion by Adam Hayes, April 2021, investopedia.com

Download Pros and Cons outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use:  Pros and Cons impromptu speech outline

 This is a three-part problem solving pattern.

• What is the cause of something?
• What is its effect?
• And what is the remedy?

Topic: Public speaking anxiety

Cause(s) of public speaking anxiety:

• feeling self conscious in front of others
• fearing repeat of past poor experiences
• fear of being judged
• fearing not being as good as you’d like to be, or as good as others
• breathing poorly which doesn’t support the voice
• becoming overwhelmed by symptoms of fear: shaking limbs, quivering voice, racing heart beat, forgetting what had been practiced
• gabbling through speech at break neck speed
• becomes a cycle which intensifies each time a person has to speak in public
• limits personal potential in many ways: at work and socially
• take a public speaking course, join a public speaking club
• practice a great deal,  get good support and practical feedback you can use
• and take every opportunity to speak in front of others as it will lessen the fear.

Topic: Procrastination

Cause(s) of procrastination:

• boredom: not being interested in the task that needs completing
• fear of failure: thinking the task will prove too difficult - would rather not begin it, than risk failure, perfectionism
• unable to prioritize what needs to be done against what isn’t so urgent
• overwhelmed: too many things to do, and too little energy

Effect(s) of procrastination:

• pressure: rushing to catch up on what should have been done which leads to poor decision making
• failure: letting oneself, friends, family and workmates down, compromised work standards, reputation
• losing time, opportunities, limiting your career options
• escalating low self-esteem issues and health risks
• Create incremental to-do lists – a bit at a time rather than one huge overwhelming piece of work.
• Create a stimulating work-place for yourself – surround yourself with what you genuinely like to see.
• Time-line your work realistically - what needs to happen. today, tomorrow and the next day to arrive at the due date with the work completed to your satisfaction.
• Get rid of the temptations you know you are distracted by. Put your phone on mute. Remove bookmarked sites.
• Find a mentor, someone you admire and who will hold you to account.

Download Cause, Effect, Remedy outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use: Cause, Effect, Remedy impromptu speech outline

Before, The Event, The Result

This three-part pattern is a time line centered around an event. The result of event (eg. a natural disaster or a personal or societal change, large or small) profoundly changes what came before it. Sometimes the end result is much better, and sometimes far worse.

It’s a pattern much loved by advertisers who imply that the event (the purchase and use of whatever product or service they are selling) will result in whatever is desired: health, wealth, beauty, popularity, longevity, peace, love, intelligence... It's the classic Before and After format.    

Topic: Covid-19 - its impact on the tourism industry in NZ

Total annual tourism expenditure had increased by almost $15 billion, or 55%, in the seven years prior to 2020. 

• Tourism was New Zealand’s biggest export industry, contributing 20.1% of total exports. 
• Tourism generated a direct annual contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $16.4 billion, or 5.5%, and a further indirect contribution of $11.3 billion, another 3.8% of New Zealand’s total GDP.  

Then along came Covid–19.  The borders were closed in an effort to keep it out for as long as possible. Good for the population: fewer deaths and hospitalizations compared to other first world countries: USA, UK, Australia but not so good for tourism.

The result:  

• total tourism expenditure was $26.1 billion, a decrease of 37.3 percent ($15.6 billion) from the previous year.
• international tourism’s overall contribution to New Zealand’s total exports of goods and services fell to 2.1 percent from 20.0 percent
• tourism generated a direct contribution to GDP of $8.5 billion, or 2.9 percent, a decrease of 47.5 percent ($7.7 billion), or 2.6 percentage points

Reference:  https://www.tia.org.nz/about-the-industry/quick-facts-and-figures/

Here’s a feel-good-hard-work-pays-off story using the format, the sort you might hear on your local TV or radio station.

Topic: the house makeover

Before the makeover:

• dark and dingy – very few windows, dated décor
• very poor heat retention – no insulation
• no outdoor – indoor flow
• small poky kitchen with limited storage
• one bathroom – not adjacent to either living areas or bedrooms

The Event:   the makeover of the worst house in the best street,  a perfect project for husband (builder) and wife (interior decorator), 12 month time line, carefully planned

The Result:

• jump in value of property
• a house which is a pleasure to live in, fabulous garden, everybody is happy, reporters come calling for house and garden magazine before and after spreads☺
• an inspirational example of talent plus effort

Download Before, The Event, The Result outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use:  Before, The Event, The Result impromptu speech outline

This structure is excellent for comparisons and overviews spanning spatial areas.

Topic: Deaths from Covid-19 in New Zealand as at 22nd February 2022

Local: none

National: 56

International:  5,905,942

Reference: Google News - Covid 19 map - New Zealand  

Topic: Who follows the news?  A survey of 38 countries, 2018

Local news :  Global median = 78%. 78% of respondents are  more likely to follow the news if in own area and own country. 

National news : Global median = 86%. 86% of respondents are more likely to follow if the news is about own country.

International news : Global median = 57%. Comparatively significantly less of the respondents are likely to follow the news. That changes with the amount of education a person has. If they have more education, they are more likely to follow the news.

Reference:  Publics around the world follow national and local news more closely than international : Pew Research Center report, 2018

Download Local, National, International outline

Click the link to download a printable pdf file to use:  Local, National, International impromptu speech outline

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10 top tips for delivering an impromptu speech

No time to prepare take heart – and take note..

For many of us it’s the worst-case scenario – suddenly having to deliver an impromptu presentation. Being asked to speak in public is a major challenge for many leaders. Being asked to speak spontaneously as well as publicly can catapult the task straight into the very-difficult, to-be-avoided-at-all-times-I’d-rather-die category. The negative possibilities appear grave – your brain freezes, you mumble incoherently, or you appear to lose all gravitas.

Yet these scenarios happen all the time – introducing yourself at networking events, giving a toast at a company party, unexpectedly being pulled into a meeting to give an update, having a colleague directly turn to you in the middle of a presentation for input or being asked an unexpected question on a panel.

While you may wish for thorough preparation, giving an  extemporaneous  speech can mark you out as an excellent communicator. It’s how you handle yourself when you are least prepared that often demonstrates your leadership and influencing abilities.

Here are 10 top tips for performing – and presenting – under unexpected pressure.

• Be confident – look up, breathe deeply, say to yourself something positive – ‘I’m going to be fine’.
• Focus on the audience – Every presentation, including impromptu ones, need to be audience centric. The audience will be on your side – focus on what will be useful to them.
• Less is more – Avoid the tendency to ramble. An audience is far more likely to listen if you stay on target and are succinct. In fact, they’ll love you for it. Keep it short and to the point. Remember the Power of 3 – stick to three key points.
• Have a structure – Tell them what you are going to tell them; tell them; tell them what you told them. In the main section use a simple structure. For example:
• Past / Present/ future
• Cause / Effect / Remedy
• Before / The Event / The Result
• Primacy and recency – The audience will remember the first and last things you say. Make sure these are therefore powerful and linked to your key message.
• Talk conversationally – imagine you are speaking to your best friend and let yourself be authentic and natural.
• Personalise your speech & have a relevant story . Share from personal experience. No need to research, no need to investigate, and no need to memorise anything. When in doubt about what to say, just tell a story from your past related to the situation. Stories are memorable.
• Demonstrate powerful body language – Stand tall on both feet, resist the urge to slump or fiddle, use big gestures, smile and get eye contact with your audience.
• Use a credible voice tone – Go slowly! Hurrying will increase any feelings of unease you have. Take your time. Breathe deeply. Deliver your words slowly and use pauses.
• Turn your impromptu session into a Q&A session – For lengthier impromptu speeches re-frame the session as a Q&A session, which are probably easier for you to answer individually and breaks a session up into a series of very small impromptu interventions. Also, the content comes directly from the audience, so you are guaranteed to deliver what they are seeking.

Whilst we can still enjoy the famous tongue-in-cheek Mark Twain quote ‘it usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech’, you now know what to do when confronted by the dreaded impromptu business presentation. Now all you have to do is practise on the edge of discomfort.

Appeared in Management Today – April 2018

Previous post authenticity: how to be genuine when you present, next post how to engage an audience in 3 minutes flat, contact jeremy:.

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Off the cuff: How to give an impromptu speech without embarrassing yourself

“And now I’d like to invite him up here to say a few words. David, take it away.” Words that to this day fill me with dread.

Impromptu speaking

When prepared, I’m a decent public speaker. As a speech pathologist and lawyer, I know a fair bit about voice control , effective gestures , good enunciation , and the need for compelling content . But impromptu speakers – speakers who are great at standing up and giving speeches without much preparation time – need additional qualities, including:

• an understanding of the mechanics of speech structure; and
• the ability to put thoughts together on the spot (Billings & Billings, 2014).

I’ve never been good at speaking off the cuff. But, after more than a few lacklustre efforts over the years, I decided to read up on how experts in competitive impromptu speaking do it.

Why does it matter?

In most businesses, good oral communication skills are essential . On this, universities, government agencies and employers agree (e.g. Robles, 2012). But in high school and university, most students receive more practice with writing than speaking (e.g. Nelson et al., 1992; Russ, 2009). Impromptu speaking practice prepares students to communicate intelligently on the spur of the moment (e.g. Preston, 1990), e.g. when called by an irate client, when asked to brief senior stakeholders at short notice, or when unexpectedly called on to give a speech at a work or social event.

It turns out that there is a whole speaking circuit dedicated to the art of giving a speech on the spot. Impromptu speaking coaches have developed a few tricks along to way to help students/competitors to do it well.

Here’s a few tips and tricks from the experts:

1. Use the Unified Analysis Structure

Many competitive impromptu speakers structure their speeches using a “unified analysis structure” (e.g. Billings & Billings, 2005). This structure is built on the idea that, in an impromptu speech, you should “tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them”.

This basic structure was designed for arguing a point or “thesis” without notice, e.g. based on a famous quote. But, as the name suggests, it can be adapted for any speech. It goes like this:

Attention-getter : a story, anecdote or colourful example that relates to the topic of your talk.

Thesis (argument) : the “nugget of truth” you want to convey – the thesis of the talk.

Preview main points : why and how you agree or disagree with the statement.

Point 1 : argument supporting thesis.

A. Example A supporting point 1

B. Example B supporting point 1

Point 2 : argument supporting thesis

A. Example A supporting point 2

B. Example B supporting point 2

Conclusion : tied back to the Attention-getter.

2. Use the “Newspaper Trick” to come up with good examples to support your argument/comments

Some competitive public speakers use the “newspaper” approach to generate concrete examples quickly. Back in the olden days, when we all read physical broadsheets or tabloids, newspapers were divided into lift-out sections, e.g.:

• current news;
• money/economics;
• entertainment/arts.

These four areas can be used as a framework to generate your four examples.

If you have no knowledge about one or more of these areas, simply substitute it with something you do know about, e.g. history, poetry, science, or technology.

3. Pre-prepare concrete examples for unprepared remarks

Some researchers recommend keeping an “impromptu notebook” to record colourful, interesting examples of things that might work well in a speech at some point. I love this idea. It reduces the risk you’ll go blank (which has happened to me).

Sources for your notebook could include the news, movies, books, plays, current and historical events, theories, laws, poetry, philosophy, song lyrics, sports, amusing anecdotes, and even jokes you overhear on the bus or memes read on social media.

4. Practice, practice, practice

Competitive impromptu speakers in training might practice 3-6 speeches in an hour. As with many skills , practice and feedback improves performance. It can also “desensitise” nervous speakers to public speaking pressures, reducing anxiety in the process (Yale, 2014).

So does it work? An “off the cuff” example

Just say you’re at a work function to celebrate your team’s stellar results for the quarter. Just before the speeches, your boss gets an urgent call from head office. As she leaves to take the call, she asks you to say a few words to the team. How could we use the tips above to generate a passable speech?

Here’s my attempt (I gave myself 1 minute to think about it to emulate the scenario. I was going for solid, rather than amazing speech, and resisted the urge to edit it so you can see me trying to apply the tips above as I go):

[Attention-getter] : “When I first joined [company], I immediately started looking for a new job somewhere else. Team morale was low. Cultural clashes and mis-communications were everyday events. Meetings went forever, but nothing seemed to change. We all spent a lot of the day gossiping about each other; blaming each other for all the problems. Our competitors were crushing us like bugs, and we were miserable.

[Thesis] : But, as I got to know you all at the coal face, I discovered that, buried under all this bureaucracy, and sniping and frustration and fear, was a wealth of real talent. A diamond mine. We just had to uncover it. I realised that the main reason everyone was so irritated was that you all wanted us to succeed, even though we weren’t. I think two things helped us turn things around: our diversity and team spirit.

[Point 1] : Recognising that our diversity was a strength.

Example 1 (news): When I look at the news, and social media, I sometimes despair. People reading news only from sources that they agree with. People exchanging views with like-minded people on Twitter and Facebook, ridiculing others who disagree with them as idiots and “trolls”. What makes me so proud to be part of this team is our willingness to respectfully disagree with each other, to compromise and to find solutions to accommodate multiple points of views. Our clients benefit from this creativity, and from the energy created by our sometimes animated internal discussions. We’re not an echo chamber filled with yes women and men shouting in unison.

Example 2 (economics): At a time of economic uncertainty – e.g. Brexit and growing rhetoric about a US-China trade war – we are operating seamlessly across borders better than ever before. Our ability to bring in multiple work teams across time zones to deliver complex services under-budget and before deadlines leaves our competitors in the dust. I’m proud of the fact that, regardless of our different local conditions, we’re able to exceed client expectations.

[Point 2] : It’s a cliché but true: A champion team beats a team of champions. Now it’s no secret that many of the stars of our industry work for our competitors. But we smashed them this quarter. We may not have the industry show ponies. But we’ve got the champion team.

Example 1 (sport): Barbora Strycova and Lucie Safarova: who’s heard of them? But they took out Venus and Serena Williams at the Rio Olympics in the first round. Because they worked well together.

Example 2 (entertainment): I’m going to show my age now: Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Victoria Adams. All solid, hard workers. Fairly talented in their own way. Put them together, though, and you had the Spice Girls. For those of you a bit younger than me, my kids tell me you could say the same thing about One Direction. Well that’s us. And, as our results show, we’re no one-hit wonders.

[Conclusion] : So when I look around the room, I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. And it’s all because of our diversity, and our team work.

[Tied back to Attention-grabber] : When I first joined this company, I couldn’t wait to get out. But now I can’t think of working anywhere else. Why would I leave the A-Team? Thank you all and congratulations on your fantastic numbers. Enjoy the rest of your night.”

Now have a go yourself – you can use my scenario or one more likely to happen to you.

I hope these tips help when you are next hauled up to the mike without notice. Good luck! Let me know how you get on.

Related articles :

17 ways to wow your audience with better public speaking

• “What did you say?” 10 evidence-based ideas to help others understand your speech

Principal sources :

Yale, R. (2014). The Impromptu Gauntlet: An Experimental Strategy for Developing Lasting Communication Skills. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 77 (3), 281-296.

Billings, A.C. & Billings, A.C. (2000). Pedagogical and practical applications of coaching a limited preparation event. The Rostrum, 76 (1), 31, 38, 67.

Turnipseed, I. (2005). Understanding Limited Preparation Events. National Forensic Journal, 23 (1), 37-44.

Image : http://tinyurl.com/jqbwbqq

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How to Give a Speech Without Preparation

Last Updated: May 29, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 88% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 63,460 times.

Public speaking is daunting for many people, and having little time to prepare just increases the pressure. If you're called on to give a speech at a wedding, funeral, or other similar situation, stick to pre-set ideas like personal anecdotes and quotations, and keep things brief. If you have to give a speech in a professional situation, follow a tried-and-true method for quickly organizing your thoughts to keep things to the point. Take a breath, stay confident, and you can deliver an effective speech on the spot.

Using an Anecdote

• At a wedding, you could tell a funny story about growing up with the bride or groom.
• At a funeral, you could tell a story about how kind or generous the deceased was, or about how they influenced you.

• For example, imagine you're giving a toast at Frank's 70th birthday. You could say something like: “They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Frank here's proving them wrong. Who else would have the courage to start running marathons in retirement?”

• For example, if you're toasting the groom at a wedding, stick to just two good stories about your friendship.
• If you see people in the audience do things like turn away, talk to each other, check their phones or watches, or fidget in their seats, you might be rambling on and losing their attention.
• If this happens just quickly cut to your main point and say “thank you” as a way to close.

• You can also look out in the audience and find a few friends or people who seem supportive, and focus on them.
• If you're nervous, you could also try the old standby of imagining everyone in the audience naked!
• Above all, just remind yourself that most people will naturally admire the courage of someone who shows the confidence to get up and speak in front of a crowd.

Creating a Quick Speech Structure

• If you don't have time to write even a few notes, just make a quick mental outline, telling yourself something like: “First I'll say how generous Jim is. I'll tell the story about the time he fixed my flat tire in the middle of the night, then the one about how he baked me a birthday cake when I was sick in bed with the flu.”

• A moving story
• A convincing fact or statistic
• An inspiring quotation

• Begin by saying that casual Fridays boost morale, lead to greater productivity, and will make your company seem up to date.
• Follow up by acknowledging that casual Fridays mean that employees will appear less professional at the end of the week, and that they may need guidance on what kind of casual clothing is acceptable.
• End with your position that since most client meetings happen early in the week, casual Fridays overall will be good for your company and not create a disruption.

• You could start off with something like: “I know we've all been thinking about casual Fridays, and there are a lot of opinions out there. Let's get the conversation going by airing some of those. Does anyone have any questions, or want to share their point of view?”
• You can also call on someone in particular, if you want or need to: “Frank, you've been with us the longest. Why don't you start?”

Using the PREP Method for a Topical Speech

• Begin by saying you think casual Fridays are good because they boost employee morale.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
• ↑ https://debate.uvm.edu/NFL/rostrumlib/impcox0998.pdf
• ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/impromptu-speech-1857493
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/how-to-impromptu-speech/
• ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Video-Library/impromptu-speaking

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How to Give an Impressive Impromptu Speech

An Impromptu speech is a talk that you give on the spot with no preparation.

The speech could be as professional as a project update or as casual as a toast at a wedding. Either way, you are expected to say something smart, witty and charming.

While it might feel like torture even to the most second C-level executive, giving an extemporaneous speech is the mark of an excellent communicator and leader.

Impromptu Speech Situations You Must Be Ready For

It’s not how you handle yourself when you are prepared, that demonstrates your leadership, it’s how you handle yourself when you are least prepared. Most of the presentations you give will be prepared, yet some will not, and these unplanned events will have a bigger impact on your personal brand.

It’s how you handle yourself when least prepared that demonstrates your leadership

Here are just some examples of them

• Introducing yourself at networking events.
• Filling in for a late speaker.
• You are asked to give a toast at a company party.
• You get asked a question you did not prepare for while on a panel.
• Job interview questions from left field.
• You are interviewed by a reporter.
• You get pulled into a meeting to give an update.
• There is unexpected push back on your ideas at a company meeting.
• Say a goodbye speech to a departing employee.
• Your college refers to you in the middle of a presentation for input.

The Best 3 Impromptu Speech Tips I Ever Got

The first company I interned for during my college years threw me a goodbye party. I was happy until the manager asked if I had a few words for the team.

Then I opened my mouth, and gibberish came out. It sounded like I was speaking in tongues, “Ahh, Ahh, blah, blah, blah…”

Later, my manager at that time gave me three tips about talking on the spot that I carry to this day: “Stick to the truth, share from personal experience, and practice out loud.”

Stick to the truth, share from personal experience, and practice out loud.

1. Stick to the truth. No need to embellish, exaggerate or stretch the truth. The truth is always good enough.

For example, if you feel happy to have your colleagues in a meeting, then don’t say that you feel “super excited.” Saying that you feel happy is good enough. At least when you tell the truth, you will be authentic.

Now, telling the truth does not mean that you divulge company secrets. You stick to your truth at the moment. If you don’t know, then you say you don’t know; if you are not sure, then you say you are not sure.

Sticking to the truth will save you from a lot of mental anguish.

2. Share from personal experience. When you speak from personal experience, then you are referring to things that you intimately know. No need to research, no need to investigate, and no need to memorize anything.

When in doubt about what to say, just tell a story from your past related to the situation. That will make your contribution unique and valuable.

For example, someone asks you about the future of self-driving cars. Instead of making up stuff, just talk about the time you were in Mountain View, and you saw one of the Google’s self-driving cars for the first time.

Wait, you never saw that. No problem. Talk about the last time you were talking with your spouse about self-driving cars.

Wait you never did that. No problem. Talk about the first time you heard about self-driving cars.

You get the idea here. No need to make up anything, just look back in your memory to the closest experience with the topic and share that.

3. Practice out loud. Thinking on your feet is like dancing, you can’t learn it by thinking about it.

There are two ways to practice impromptu speaking:

1. On your own. Choose a different random topic every day and speak out loud about it. What you say does not have to be perfect, or eloquent, or enlightening. The important thing is to speak out loud. I do this when I am stuck in traffic. I pick a random topic and then I just speak on it for a minute or so. Don’t overdo it. Just once a day is enough.

2. Speak in a group. Practicing in front of a group and getting professional feedback is the best way to learn impromptu speaking. I know that this option is harder than practicing on your own for many reasons. Not finding the right group, not finding the time are just a few. However, it is not impossible. You can try out different speaking classes or join a Toastmasters group in your area until you find one that resonates with you. It will be worth it.

Quick and Dirty Impromptu Formula You Can Use Right Away

In an impromptu speech, the structure king. Without a present and practiced structure, you will ramble on and make no point at all. In fact, the structure will be the king, queen, and general combined to martial and lead your content in a concise and relevant way.

Structure is king!

There are many other formulas that I use for impromptu speaking, however, here I want to share with you an excellent one.

It’s called FAT.

F = Feeling

Share your honest feeling about the topic, circumstance or person. If you feel excited to be there then, that’s the impression that you share (remember to stay close to the truth)

A= Anecdote

Share a relevant story. Most of the time, I share my first experience with the topic. For example, if it’s a car, then I share a story about my first car in college. If it’s a person, then I share my first experience meeting the person. It does not have to be that way.

T = Tie Back

After you are done with the anecdote, make sure you tie it back to the topic you are talking about. Example, if you are doing a toast for a departing coworker, and you share the story of the first time you meet her, you can tie back by saying, that after that event, you knew that she was destined for big things and that she will be missed when she leaves.

When you get asked to speak about someone or something, you can always rely on the FAT formula.

Here is an example of an impromptu speech using the FAT method.

Scenario: you are asked to thank a group of interns that worked with your department for the summer.

I want to thank Michael, Amey, and Kira for working with our department over the summer. Their work is greatly appreciated, and I don’t know how we would have done it without them (only say it this way if it’s the truth).

A: Anecdote

I remember your first day. You were all quiet, taking notes and probably thinking oh my god what a mess . Then surprised us all by your initiative and how quickly you learned. With your help, we caught up on our financial audit.

T: Tie back

We were so thankful to have you this summer and wanted to wish you the best in your academic career next year. I know some of you will be graduating, and I look forward to hearing from you. I hope you would consider coming back to work with us 🙂 Good luck!

Ok, that was the FAT method. Easy right?

You don’t have to remember any content, all you have to remember is a structure. The takeaway is that it can be used for many different scenarios. Weddings, eulogies, goodbyes, updates, answers, etc.

Extemporaneous and Impromptu speaking is a great skill to have. I say a skill because it is something you learn and develop over time. Impromptu speaking is something you get good at with practice and feedback. Start practicing today and leave an impromptu comment below.

Take a Presentation From Good To Great By Setting Boundaries

How to React to an Unresponsive Audience

The One Quality You Need To Boost Your Influencing skills

3 Ways To Dramatically Open Your Presentations

Improve your practice.

Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses.

45 Impromptu Speech Topics and Ideas

October 29, 2017 - Dom Barnard

Impromptu speeches are a great way to practice quick thinking and concise speaking – you usually have only a couple of minutes to  prepare a speech  lasting around five minutes. Even in this shorter form of speech, you still need to have a structure to what you are saying to ensure your message is understood by everyone.

If you struggle with lack of confidence, practicing with these impromptu speech topics can be a great way to build confidence for all types of speeches and conversations, whether you’re talking to someone at a business networking event or speaking at a wedding.

What is an impromptu speech?

For an impromptu speech, you’ll generally have 1-3 minutes of preparation for a speech lasting 5-8 minutes. Tougher speech events can reduce this preparation time down to 30 seconds and require you to plan your speech mentally, without any paper to write notes on.

Impromptu speeches are often given as part of university and college debates.  Oxford Union event  shown above.

These types of speeches are usually found in public speaking courses, speaking organisations such as Toastmasters and  debating competitions  (both professional and student based).

They are a great way of testing a range of communication skills, from organisation to clarity to creativity, and are becoming a popular way to practice general public speaking skills.

Practice Impromptu Speaking

Practice your impromptu speaking skills by talking about a series of random slides for 30 seconds each. Receive feedback on your performance. Learn More

Tips for picking an impromptu speech topic

Here are some quick tips and considerations for picking an impromptu speech.

• Pick a topic you are familiar with, have knowledge of and want to talk about. Personal experience on that topic is a bonus as you’ll be able to speak more naturally about it.
• Your organisational skills will be tested to come up with a powerful introduction and conclusion in your preparation to back up your argument.
• Pick a topic where the scope is limited (or you can easily limit it) as you’ll only have 5 minutes to discuss it.
• Your goal is to either inform or  persuade your audience  so choose a topic that suits these criteria

Impromptu speech topics

There are a huge amount of topic to choose from so we’ve compiled a short list of interesting topics below, some of which will hopefully inspire you or give you talking points you hadn’t previously considered.

• A non-biased news site is impossible
• The Romain Empire was the most important empire to have existed
• Keyboards will be replaced by speech-to-text technology in 10 years
• Performance enhancing drugs should be allowed in sport
• Colour affects the way people feel
• Poor health begins in the mind
• Team sports build strong individuals
• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
• Poverty is a state of mind
• What characteristics make an ideal villain?
• How would you describe an average person?
• In what situation is lying a good idea?
• Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
• Pets are for people who don’t have children
• Real learning doesn’t occur in a classroom
• It is better to be influential than rich
• Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?
• School uniforms removes individuality
• Children should not watch television
• Art is not important to the future of the human race
• Future conflicts will be confined to online hacking
• Social customs are a waste of time
• My biggest concern for the future is…
• Climate change is a natural occurrence
• What is the most important skill for starting a business
• Space exploration advances the human race
• Parents are the most influential factors in our lives
• Sports people salaries are justified by viewing figures
• Reading fiction is a waste of time
• Going to university / college is not necessary anymore
• Facebook makes society less happy
• Anyone can be a millionaire if they work hard enough
• No extra-terrestrial species have found us because…
• Translation technology will replace the need to learn a language
• Colonizing Mars is necessary to ensure human survival
• Presidential / Prime Ministers time in office should be lengthened
• Social circles and friends are the most important factors for happiness
• Real wealth is not measured in money or possessions
• The minimum wage should be doubled
• Should adults have the right to carry a concealed handgun?
• Is sexual orientation determined at birth?
• Junk food’s popularity relies on marketing
• Both snooker and darts are sports
• Being a vegetarian is healthier than eating meat
• Renting a house is better than buying

Use any of these topics for your next impromptu speech or just as personal practice to improve your communication skills.

50 Topics for Impromptu Student Speeches

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• Homework Tips
• Learning Styles & Skills
• Study Methods
• Time Management
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Graduate School
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

For the many people who break out in a sweat at the very idea of speaking in front of an audience , the prospect of speaking on an unknown topic with little to no preparation is likely terrifying. But you don't have to be afraid of impromptu speeches. As it turns out, the secret even to off-the-cuff speeches is preparation.

Impromptu Speech Tips

• Decide on your topic
• Come up with three supportive statements related to your topic
• Prepare a strong conclusion

Use this list of impromptu speech topics to practice making a quick speech outline in your head. For each of the topics below, just think of three main points you'd like to make. For example, if your speech topic is "Your least favorite chores," you could quickly come up with three statements:

• I don't know anybody who likes to fold laundry, so the first task on my list of unhappy chores is folding laundry.
• Taking out the trash is another chore that most people dread, and I'm no different.
• The worst chore in the entire household has to be cleaning the toilet.

If you go into your speech with these statements in your head, you can spend the rest of your time thinking up supporting statements as you speak. When you've identified your three main points, think of a great finishing statement. If you end with a great closer, you'll really impress your audience.

Start Practicing With This List

• My three favorite animals.
• What you would find in my closet. Make something up.
• What you'd find under my bed.
• The best letter of the alphabet.
• Why your mom/dad is special.
• A day that stands out.
• The best surprise ever.
• If I had a million dollars to give away.
• If cats/dogs ruled the world.
• A trip to remember.
• My favorite day of the year.
• If I could only eat three foods forever.
• If I could design a school.
• Why books are important.
• Three surprising facts about me .
• How to impress your parents.
• How to plan a party.
• A job I'd love to have.
• A day in my life.
• If I could have dinner with anyone.
• If I could travel through time.
• My favorite book.
• An important lesson I've learned.
• What I've learned from cartoons.
• The smartest cartoon character.
• Three things I'd change if I ruled the world.
• Why sports are important.
• The worst chores at home.
• Why I deserve an allowance.
• If I were in charge of school lunches.
• If I had invented school.
• The best theme park rides.
• Whom do you admire most?
• What is your favorite animal?
• How to achieve your dreams.
• Why you need a baby brother.
• How to annoy an older sister.
• How to save money.
• Three things that scare me.
• Great things about snow days.
• Things you can make out of snow.
• How to spend a rainy day.
• How to walk a dog.
• Great things about the ocean.
• Things I'll never eat.
• How to be a slacker.
• Why I like my town.
• The best parts of a parade.
• Interesting things you see in the sky.
• Things to remember when you're camping.
• An experience with a bully.
• 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
• 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
• 10 Math Tricks That Will Blow Your Mind
• 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
• Chemistry Pick Up Lines to Try on Your Crush
• How to Give an Impromptu Speech
• Practice Speaking Skills With Impromptu Speeches
• 5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay
• How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
• Impromptu Speech Activities
• Speech Topics to Meet Oral Communication Standards
• Memorable Graduation Speech Themes
• Writing a Descriptive Essay
• Writing Prompts for Elementary School Students
• How to Write a Great Essay for the TOEFL or TOEIC
• 10 Warm Ups for Lesson Plans

How to Give An Impromptu Speech When You Have Zero Prep Time

• Communication and Preaching

It freaks everyone out, but at some point or another, you’re going to be called to give an impromptu talk.

Maybe it will be in front of eight people in the boardroom after the boss taps you on the shoulder and says, “What do you have to say about that? Get up and tell us!”

Or maybe you’re speaking at an event and you learn the keynote speaker’s flight was canceled, and they call on you at the last minute to talk to the audience .

Or maybe you feel like the talk you prepared isn’t the right one, and you need to take things in a whole new direction, and you’re up in five minutes.

As a full-time communicator, I’ve been there…in almost every scenario you can think of.

In any scenario, cue most leaders’ worst nightmare: Giving a talk with zero prep time. How do you not just panic, throw up, freeze like a deer in headlights, or ramble on like someone who had their brain removed?

Here’s How It Can Happen To You

I was twelve years old when I gave my first impromptu talk. I was supposed to give a five-minute talk to our church family about the camp I’d been to that summer. Someone else was cued up to speak ahead of me,  and she basically said exactly what I was going to say.

So what did that twelve-year-old kid do? According to my dad, I walked on stage, made up a bunch of new points, and no one knew the difference.

What started at 12 has happened more times than I can count since.

Here are three quick examples:

• Numerous times at events, I’ve watched the previous speaker cover points I was going to make. At that moment I know I have to pivot, and I’m up next. Apparently, this doesn’t only happen to 12-year-olds.
• A few years ago, I was at a conference when I learned the night before that the keynote couldn’t make it. I got asked to step in…in front of 3000 people.
• Years ago at our church, we were in a video series with Andy Stanley and the video playback died. Just died. Right in the middle of the service. I’d heard the message at the previous service, but with literally 30 seconds’ notice, I got pushed onto the stage. The lights came up. I explained to the congregation that the video had died so I was up with zero prep, having heard the message once before. Then I proceeded to do the best I could to recite what I remembered from Andy’s message and improvised my own take. After the 40-minute message was over, people cheered.

How do you carry yourself in moments like those?

Look, I have a huge preference for writing messages months and weeks ahead of delivery, and highly recommend that.

I outline an entire process for delivering amazing sermons and talks in my course, The Art of Preaching . So 99.9% of the time, go with that.

But at some point, with zero prep, you’re going to be pushed onto a platform to speak.

How do you simply not freeze or stumble all over your words, or just meander your way to disaster?

Here are 5 ways to handle that moment when it comes.

1. Don’t Panic

The biggest enemy you have when you’re called on at the last moment and you panic is you .

Your emotions will threaten to hijack your brain. You’ll convince yourself that you’re not able to do a good job, that this is unfair, or you haven’t got it in you to rise to the occasion.

Start believing that, and the voices in your head will be 100% accurate.

Except they’re not. You can do a good job. And no, it’s not unfair (people want to hear from you) and you’ve got this.

The best way to deal with your natural fear is to push past it. So push past it.

After all, this is happening, and you’re more ready than you think.

2. Think About What Your Audience Needs

So, where do you start?

Left unchecked, you’ll only think about yourself. (You’ll invent 100 new insecurities on the spot. See #1 above).

So, shift your view for a moment and think about what your audience needs.

Who’s the room?

What are  their  issues?

What do you possess that might help them?

How can you empathize with what they’re going through?

Speakers who care about their audience will always have a more engaged audience.

3. Focus on what You Already Know

Great…so you’ve thought (even momentarily) about your audience and tried to silence the panic in your head and heart.

Your mind might naturally want to focus on what you  don’t  know. After all, you couldn’t prepare. No research. No carefully crafted phrases. Zero prep.

Your head will go back to this: Clearly, I can’t tackle this.

You’ve got a few decades of life under your belt, and you know  something .

Focus on that.

For professional communicators (preachers, leaders), you’ve likely got a few talks under your belt that you can cherry-pick from. Do it.

Pull from that sermon you preached last September or that talk you gave in June. It’s not unfair. And it’s not cheating. It’s called serving your audience well .

And if you go with what you know, you’ll be coherent.

A coherent you is better than a rambling you.

Even if you’re not in the habit of speaking, you know a lot about some things. Draw on that knowledge.

When you panic, you’ll be tempted to focus on what you don’t know. Focus on what you know instead.

You know way more than you think.

4. Pretend You’re Having a Conversation…Because You Are

In all impromptu talks, here’s a principle that simply works: Pretend you’re having a conversation . Because you are.

Why does imagining you’re having a conversation work?

Because you do it every day. Think about it.

How much time do you prepare for the conversations you have every day? For the most part, unless you’re asking for a raise or having a tough intervention, the answer is “Well, I don’t.”

That’s the thing about conversations….you just have them.

So, go have one.

Pretend you’re talking to one person and just explaining your thoughts, ideas and feelings.

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is.

A conversation has a natural flow. Go with that flow. Your accumulated lifetime experience of interacting with other people will move you toward forming an introduction, a main point (or points), and an ending.

The pressure of speaking in front of a live audience will help you stay focused, sharp, and concise.

So…you have conversations all the time that you never prepare for. And you’re fine in them.

This time, a bunch of people just happened to show up.

5. Finish Early (It’s Okay…Really)

Of all the things communicators struggle with, this is one of the worst: we convince ourselves we don’t have enough to say to fill the time.

First, that’s almost never true. Most speakers and preachers go over time, every time. Cue the buzzer for that habit.

Second, the audience is almost  always  grateful when a speaker finishes on time and extra grateful when the speaker wraps up early.

If you run out of things to stay (and you might), stop. Even if you’re done early.

Worried you’re disappointing your host? Just say, “It’s been a joy to share this impromptu moment with you, I think that’s all I have to say. Thank you.”

Cue the thunderous silent applause going on in every audience member’s head.

People are incredibly grateful when communicators realize they’re done.

A communicator who knows they’re done before the audience senses they’re done is a wise communicator.

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3 Ways to Structure a Speech the Professional Way

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

The Public Speaking sector has grown and soared. We all know what Public Speaking is and at some point in our school or work life have been faced with the challenge of presenting something or more popularly – talking about yourself or some other similar topics.

Sometimes you get a chance to prepare sometimes you don’t. Regardless of that fact, what you speak leaves an impression. Let’s try to make sure that it is a good one!

Structuring your speech is a way to consolidate information in a manner to make it more understandable and engaging. It is a great way to build up to important points and make your transitions more seamless and natural.

How do we go about this?

Public Speakers have different communication styles and even though every style has a unique approach and every speaker has their own process, we are going to try and explore some methods and tricks which can help you build and structure your speech in a more organised and systematic manner.

Since Public Speaking has been integrated into our lives so firmly, I thought it best to focus on the two main umbrellas of Speeches – Prepared and Unprepared.

No. This does not reflect the prepared of the speaker.

Prepared Speech

Have you ever been asked to speak at an assembly, give a keynote address or at the most basic level: seen a speaking competition?

These types of speeches give you time to prepare and are usually on a topic which has educational or entertainment factors.

Prepared speeches are well researched, rehearsed speeches. The speaker receives the topic / is intimated about the speech well in advance to make the content more concise and relevant to the audience.

Prepared speakers have the luxury of working on their speaking skills and build them based on what their speech demands. Be it their tonality, body language, voice modulation and all the other things that work into creating and executing a great speech.

If you are looking to build on your voice modulation and tonality, then look no further! We’ve written an expensive article just on that: 8 Essential Tips on Voice Modulation and Tonality.

How to Structure a Prepared Speech

1. stick to the classic.

What is the classic way?

Let’s go back to school. Do you remember the time when you first learned to write an essay? Maybe this will jog your memory:

Introduction Body Conclusion

Yeah, I think that should about do it! 🙂

This method of structuring your speech is the most basic and direct way of structuring your speech. It lays a solid foundation but there is a lot more than three topics that need to be covered while structuring your speech so my advice would be to check out the other methods as well.

Introduction

An introduction holds about 10-15% (it is an estimate, I am a public speaker not a mathematician, give me a break) of your speech’s content and time. A solid introduction can make and break your speech. Now there are millions of ways you can begin your speech, lets look the ones which help you build a strong foundation.

1. Audience Engagement

There is no surprise in the fact that you need to engage your audience. However, it isn’t really necessary to get them and keep them hooked from the very first word you utter because believe it or not, they will zone out.

So how do you engage the audience? Simple. Understand their demographic. Find out what interests them, figure out a way to connect their interests to your speech.

Pro Tip: Try not to create or imply a disconnect with your audience. Even if you are 50 and your audience is 13 or vice versa. It is best not the address the obvious. You may accidentally create a disconnect in your speech. For example: “Your generation was/is used to XYZ and (TOPIC) may not be of great importance to you but let me try to show you why it (the topic) is of significant importance.”

Why should we not create a disconnect?

To engage your audience you need to be able to connect with them, in other words: find common ground and by establishing a difference between the two parties doesn’t really work. Don’t forget the fact that you are the only active participant and a differentiation highlighted from your end may not work to your advantage.

Understanding and analysing your audience can go a long way for you when preparing for or delivering your speech. Check out our video to figure out how to analyse your audience.

2. Answer the who and why.

To complete your introduction the two main questions you need to answer are: Who are you and Why are you here?

Who are you?

The answer is pretty simple right? Not really. We need to find a way to make you sound qualified and yet not boastful all while keeping this section of your introduction to a sentence or two at the most.

Remember, the Master of the Ceremony would have already introduced you. There is no need to state every achievement. Instead what we can do is find out your most relevant achievement / qualification and mention that in brief.

Why are you here?

As much as the narcissist in you and I wants to believe that this question expects an answer specific to the speaker, we are wrong.

Speaking about a sliver of the topics you are going to touch in your speech is a great start to your introduction.

Pro Tip: Following up with this after the previous question gives you a great chance to shift the focus from yourself and segue into the topic at hand.

Here is the meat of your speech and it is the section your audience will be in contact with the most. Lets work on a sound way to go about getting the most out of it.

1. Research

You have had the chance to work on and build your content the best you can and even though the procrastinator in you wants to watch one more episode. Lets get cracking!

A well researched speech can do wonders for you! For starters, it can boost your credibility and make the audience actually invested in the content you are providing and another added benefit is that your confidence would be at its peak because you are sure of all the stats, all the data and information.

Sounds really promising doesn’t it? Try it. The hours you put in hunched over books or starting at screens just to build the right form of content with everything fact checked will be worth it.

2. Organisation

You have your data ready, how do you organise it? Check out the chart below:

Personal Anecdote Topic Sub-topic – relevant to your area of expertise Current Trends / Career / Anything you found cool Your experiences Build to a general conversation

By following the above chart you can build a great body which will cover all possible topics and sub-topics of your speech and will also give you the opportunity to hit multiple touch points.

Pro Tip: Always hold back on a little information instead of spilling all the beans if you are having a Q&A session after or during your speech. It will help satiate the audience and you would still be able to get your point across with the same confidence and surety as you did in your speech.

Remember, just because it is a different section of your speech doesn’t mean that the tips and ideas of the other sections do not apply.

Conclusions are simple. Even though there is this unbelievable pressure to make a lasting impact, sometimes I believe, if you content is engaging enough, you don’t need the flare and pompous show of quotes, rhetorical questions, cliff hangers and other techniques.

These techniques albeit extremely helpful and when used and combined aptly give out amazing results, lets focus on the main content of your conclusion:

People usually say that your conclusion should summarise your whole speech, but how do you go about doing that? Do you list things down that you covered? Screen the outline of your speech? Please. Don’t.

Here is an example of summarising and building to a close to help you get an idea of how to go about it:

With the end of the world seeming like a very plausible occurrence, we need to do something for mankind’s survival, and do it sustainably. The windmills, the solar energy innovation, the plastic free lifestyle, they are all just small individual measures taken by small, tiny species on a small, tiny planet. It is time we face the music and realise that we aren’t killing nature but ourselves. Nature is dynamic. It can adapt and survive. We have become so self-centred that we think just because we can’t live, nothing can.

Notice the various topics (windmill, solar energy, plastic free lifestyle) were mentioned and got together but the conclusion isn’t just that, it brings out the essence of the topic – climate change.

The last line isn’t a quote but a simple observation which is sufficient to close a conversation but it still gives the audience something to think about, something to connect with while building their own opinions.

If you are interested in checking out closing lines and quotes, honestly, there is nothing wrong in that. They are a tool just like others. It is up to you to figure out what suits you the best. Here is an extensively researched article by us on the same: 50 Speech Closing Lines (& How You Can Create Your Own) The Ultimate Guide.

2. Points and Lists

Working on structuring your speech can be taxing and fun at the same time. Some people are a natural, some learn with experience and some find a little bit of research to go a long way.

The Intro | Body | Conclusion method is the most popular one and a favourite among professionals. But after a few years of experience people tend to get used to writing speeches and stop segregating their speech.

But then how do they write it and divide it so perfectly? Here is how:

When using this method, you need to have your research and content ready and in place. Along with that study the demographic as well. The next step is to follow a systematic order.

How do you find out the order?

This section may sound tricky but is fairly easy.

• Introduction to the Main Theme.
• Introduction to your area of expertise (do not focus on you but what you work on).
• Current Trends and other sections of the topic that you think would help your audience.
• What is the future of the given topic?
• Go back to the main theme.

While this is a rough outline of what you can work on, lets make it less vague by working on points for the example given before about climate change. Here is how the points might look:

1. Climate Change 2. Latest affect (major) of it on humans – Ozone Layer, Rashes, Asthma, Etc,. 3. What can we do about it? 4. Renewable Energy 5. Windmill – Benefits and usage 6. Solar Energy – Benefits, projects, innovation. 7. What can an individual do? 8. Plastic free lifestyle – what it is and how does it help? 9. Working on things and speaker’s point of view.

Now that you have know the points you need to cover and speak about it becomes fairly easier to build your speech.

The added benefit of this method is that you don’t really need to work on transitions because as and when you move from point to point you begin to find a way to connect the previous one to the next one.

Please remember that just because there are 5 points listed here as the possible avenues you can take, it does not mean you limit yourself at 5 or force yourself to reach 5. Each topic, each speech, each speaker is different and you are the best judge for your speech’s preparation. Who knows when inspiration may come knocking. It is best to keep an open mind and door. 🙂

Unprepared Speech

Have you been ever called up in class randomly to speak about a topic? Or at a new job to “introduce yourself”? Well what you just did there was give an unprepared speech. To make it more clear, it is known by multiple names: impromptu, improv, extempore, JAM (just a minute) and even as simple as on the spot speech.

An unprepared speech is usually for a short duration (1-2 minutes) and is on an easy topic that doesn’t require much preparation or research. Topics could be personal like an introduction or they may be related to current and popular trends.

Check out this article to get various impromptu speech ideas!

How to Structure an Unprepared Speech

You can follow a simple flow:

For a better understanding, I have written this short speech to help you build your skills on impromptu speeches.

The topic I have taken is: “What defines you?”

What is a definition but something that limits you? It is strict, rigid and set in stone. If I define myself to be a person of life and joy, does that mean I don’t ever have low days? If I define myself to be hardworking, organised, focused, am I suddenly not allowed to relax, unwind, make mistakes and be human? I am life, I am colour, I am the gloomy rain and I am the storm that comes with it, I am many things but what I am not is a definition.

PS. I had time to write this out and fit it perfectly to the 4 points given, remember that even with experience, many people don’t usually get this sound a structure. It takes a lot of practice and consistency to become an efficient speaker and no one expects the other to be one. It is okay to fumble and mess up, as long as you keep working towards your goal!

Organising your thoughts

In the moment there will be multiple things that will rush through your mind. Here is where your decisiveness comes into play. Pick something that you know your can build on and work from there.

You may also be given some time to think about what you have to speak, use that to build on your topic and decide a direction. Once you have a train of thought all you need next is to work on your speaking skills which after all develops with practice and practice alone.

Final Thoughts

Structuring you speech the way the professionals do it is a great way to build and challenge yourself. A structure maybe be one element of a speech but if even one point is out of place it sticks out like a sore thumb.

At the end, all you need to do is practice because I can’t claim anything about other things but in Public Speaking, practice is what makes perfect.

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10 top tips for delivering an impromptu speech

No time to prepare take heart - and take note..

For many of us it’s the worst case scenario – suddenly having to deliver an impromptu presentation. Being asked to speak in public is a major challenge for many leaders. Being asked to speak spontaneously as well as publicly can catapult the task straight into the very-difficult, to-be-avoided-at-all-times-I'd-rather-die category . The negative possibilities appear grave – your brain freezes, you mumble incoherently or you appear to lose all gravitas.

Yet these scenarios happen all the time – introducing yourself at networking events, giving a toast at a company party, unexpectedly being pulled into a meeting to give an update, having a colleague directly turn to you in the middle of a presentation for input or being asked an unexpected question on a panel. 

While you may wish for thorough preparation, giving an  extemporaneous  speech can mark you out as an excellent communicator. It’s how you handle yourself when you are least prepared that often demonstrates your leadership and influencing abilities.

Here are 10 top tips for performing – and presenting – under unexpected pressure.

1. Be confident - Look up, breathe deeply, say to yourself something positive – ‘I’m going to be fine’.

2. Focus on the audience  - Every presentation, including impromptu ones, need to be audience centric. The audience will be on your side – focus on what will be useful to them.

3. Less is more  - Avoid the tendency to ramble. An audience is far more likely to listen if you stay on target and are succinct. In fact they'll love you for it. Keep it short and to the point. Remember the Power of 3 – stick to three key points.

4. Have a structure  - Tell them what you are going to tell them; tell them; tell them what you told them. In the main section use a simple structure. For example:

-          Past / Present/ future

-          Cause / Effect / Remedy

-          Before / The Event / The Result

5. Primacy and recency - The audience will remember the first and last things you say. Make sure these are therefore powerful and linked to your key message.

6. Talk conversationally - Imagine you are speaking to your best friend and let yourself be authentic and natural.

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7. Personalise your speech & have a relevant story - Share from personal experience. No need to research, no need to investigate, and no need to memorise anything. When in doubt about what to say, just tell a story from your past related to the situation. Stories are memorable.

8. Demonstrate powerful body language  - Stand tall on both feet, resist the urge to slump or fiddle, use big gestures, smile and get eye contact with your audience.

9. Use a credible voice tone - Go slowly! Hurrying will increase any feelings of unease you have. Take your time. Breathe deeply. Deliver your words slowly and use pauses.

10. Turn your impromptu session into a Q&A session - For lengthier impromptu speeches reframe the session as a Q&A session, which breaks a session up into a series of very small impromptu interventions which will be easier for you to answer individually. Also, the content comes directly from the audience, so you are guaranteed to deliver what they are seeking.  

Whilst we can still enjoy the famous tongue-in-cheek Mark Twain quote ‘it usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech’, you now know what to do when confronted by the dreaded impromptu business presentation. Now all you have to do is practise on the edge of discomfort.

Jeremy Cassell and Tom Bird are co-authors of The Leader’s Guide to Presenting (Pearson, UK Business Book of the year 2018).

Image credit:  Matej Kastelic /Shutterstock

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Role: Senior IT Procurement Manager Type: 9 Month FTC Location: Leeds - x2 days a week Firm: Global Law Firm Day Rate: £70,000 - £75,000 Contact

HR Data and Systems Manager

£47000.00 - £52000.00 per annum + full range of benefits

HR Data and Systems Manager, up to £52k pa + benefits, permanent, great organisation, hybrid, Bristol office. Large leading Bristol organisation which offers knows their people are their strength.

Procurement Category Manager - Technology

Highly regarded Technology organisation seeks an experience technology procurement candidate to join a newly created role in their expanding procurement function.

National Lead of Operational Learning & Development

SCP 65-69 (£73,137 - £79,402)

Oasis Community Learning

We are offering a unique and exciting opportunity to become an influential leader within one of the largest trusts in the UK.

Director of Human Resources

Competitive

University of Sussex

Having challenged convention since its foundation in 1961, the University of Sussex was created to be life-changing for its students, to deliver pr...

Head of Human Resources

London (Greater)

£85000 - 95000 per year +

UK Debt Management Office

About the organisation The UK Debt Management Office (“DMO”) is an Executive Agency of Her Majesty's Treasury (“HMT”) responsible for financing the...

Head of Value Propositions and Innovation

90,000-95,000

Michael Page (Client Branded)

This is an exciting newly created role Coach and lead a team of 12 people About Our Client For over 140 years City & Guilds have worked with peo...

Head of Brand Strategy (corporate)

up to £100k

Corporate Communications Recruitment

An award winning global integrated agency with a strong corporate branding offer are looking to hire a head of brand strategy. Great opportunity!

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Heaton Moor, Stockport

£62,000 per annum

Supportability

The Chief Executive role for the Charity is to work on behalf of the Board of Trustees to develop and deliver the business plan and business strate...

Head of Governance and Executive Office

Office-based in London, N4 with flexibility to work remotely, minimum 2 days in the office per month

£67,678 - £72,753 FTE (Actual: £40,606.80 - £43,651.80 per annum) plus excellent benefits

Our Head of Governance and Executive Office leads on ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of governance, demonstrating practice across...

Development Director

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2

£75,000 - £85,000 with flexibility for an outstanding candidate

Our client is looking for an exceptional individual to be their next Development Director following the retirement of the current post-holder.

Senior Procurement Manager / Technology / Global Law-Firm

GBP550 - GBP625 per day +

9 MONTH INTERIM OPPORTUNITY £550-625p/day - Senior Procurement Manager - Technology - Global Law Firm - Leeds & Hybrid working This globally recognise

Opportunity to train with a leading global fundraising consultancy

£51,000 plus performance related bonus of £2,500 in 2024

THINK Consulting Solutions

Motivated by a continual stream of new challenges? Love to problem solve? Committed to helping teams and individuals deliver top quality fundraising?

Chief Executive

St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Eastbourne

£90,000 - £95,000 + pension + benefits

St Wilfrid's Hospice

Chief Executive St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Eastbourne Full-time £90,000 - £95,000 + pension + benefits St Wilfrid’s Hospice is the local hospice for the...

Procurement Consulting Opportunities / Leading Boutique

GBP65000 - GBP80000 per annum +

Procurement Consulting opportunities - Market Leading Procurement Boutique Consultancy - Private Equity Backed - London + Travel - £65-80k + Package

Strategic Procurement Manager - Packaging - Global FMCG

GBP50000 - GBP60000 per annum + + Package + Flexi Working

Strategic Procurement Manager - Packaging - Global and Iconic FMCG brand Location: London/Remote Salary: £50-60k + package

GBP550 - GBP600 per day +

9-Month FTC - Senior Procurement Manager - Technology - Global Law Firm - Leeds & Hybrid working - £550-625p/dayThis globally recognised law firm, ren

Senior Procurement Manager / Indirects / Global Law-Firm

Procurement Manager- Global Leading Law Firm - FTC - 6 Months- Leeds Based- **£500-600/Day Inside IR35**

Senior IT Procurement Manager 9 month FTC

GBP600 - GBP625 per day +

Senior IT Procurement Manager- Global Leading Law Firm - FTC - 9 Months- Leeds Based- **£625/Day Inside IR35**

Assistant Director, HR Business Partnering

£75000 - 100000 per year +

City of London

We are the City of whatever we make it… A career with the City of London Corporation is a career like no other. We are based at the heart of one th...

Assistant Director, Organizational Development & Talent

Client services director.

Remote (UK)

Up to £90k DOE plus benefits

air-recruitment

Are you the senior client services pro this really warm and friendly creative agency need?

Assistant Director, HR Operations

Senior hr business partner.

HR Business Partner London - Hyrbid £70kpa

Brighton, England

£300.00 - £400.00 per day

A 6 month temporary HR BP based in Brighton (hybrid), £300-£400 per day

Marketing Lead

£65000 - £75000 per annum

Major Players

Marketing Lead/Head of Marketing - Tech Marketing Lead/Head of Marketing - The Company My client is an extremely successful start-up within Tech (SaaS

HR Systems and Information Lead

Hybrid working

Imperial College London

We are urgently seeking an experienced HR System and Information Lead that can provide strong leadership to our HR Systems team, during a project p...

Associate Director (Summer School and Executive Education)

£70,000-£83,000

London School of Economics

Play a leading role in delivering a key part of LSE's 2030 vision and strategy Be part of a highly successful and commercially driven team About...

Art Director / Creative - client side / in-house role

£70k - £75k + benefits / flexible working

MODA Consult

This beautiful brand is looking for an Art Director / Creative to work within their in-house team. Outstanding interior design / furniture brand.

Partnership Director

£70k Basic + £30k OTE plus benefits

This is such an exciting role, a Partnership Director working with tech platforms, at a leading digital / commerce agency. Something really different!

HR Manager 14mth FTC

£50000.00 - £55000.00 per annum

HR Manager London - Hybrid 14mth FTC Immediate Start

IT Procurement Manager - Sustainable Technology Firm Location: Remote with option to go into office in Central London Salary: £80-85,000 plus package

Business Director - 2 roles at varying levels

London - Hybrid working, 3 days in the office 2 days at home

£75k - £85k dependent on experience and great benefits

2 fantastic opportunities at this top creative agency at Business Director level. We need someone with strong CRM / customer engagement experience.

Business Director x 2 roles

£85k - £100k dependent on experience and great benefits

2 fantastic opportunities at this top creative agency at Business Director level. Opportunity to work with some of the best in the business.

HR Manager / Senior HR Business Partner

Birmingham, England

£60000.00 - £65000.00 per annum + Excellent Benefits

This is an interesting opportunity to join a smaller but highly successful UK business working as a strategically minded HR Business Partner.

Early Talent Programs Senior Associate

City of London, England

£50000.00 - £60000.00 per annum

A Global Rating Agency in the hub of the Financial Market for Early Talent Programme Lead

International Pensions Senior Manager

£80000.00 - £100000.00 per annum + Bonus, cash allowance, hybrid, flex

The International Pensions tax team advises employers, employees, and trustees of pension plans on tax treatment for distributions from and contributions to International Pension Plans.

Senior Reward Manager - Tax

The role would suit an existing Manager with demonstrated experience in employment tax advisory and compliance work. Employee share plan and global mobility experience would, whilst not essential, be an advantage.

Project Management Lead (Mobilisation)

Blended between office and home (England and Wales)

Salary: £56,214 plus London Allowance of £3,520 if applicable

Citizens Advice

We are looking for an experienced project/programme manager with a demonstrable track record in successfully delivering major change initiatives.

Senior Benefits Manager

£55000.00 - £70000.00 per annum + Bonus, hybrid, negotiable

The purpose of this role is to manage the Global Benefits Operations across all locations.

Benefits & Wellbeing Manager

£50000.00 - £65000.00 per annum + Bonus, hybrid & flexi, negotiable

The firm takes very seriously the physical and mental health of its employees and partners.

HR Director

Slough, England

£105000.00 - £115000.00 per annum + 20% bonus, car allowance

Excellent HR Director opportunity. Up to £115k + bonus + car allowance. Hybrid working.

Senior Procurement Consultant / Best-In-Class

GBP60000 - GBP75000 per annum + Bonus

Senior Indirect Procurement Consultant / FTSE 250 Consultancy Organisation / Rapid Career Progression / Home Based Contract / £60,000 - £75,000 + Benefits inc. Bonus

CAPEX Category Manager - Global Utilities Company

Saudi Arabia

GBP60000 - GBP70000 per annum +

Procurement Category Buyer - CAPEX (Engineering & Construction) - Global Consultancy - Global Waste Management Project - 20-35,000 SAR - Riyadh Saudi

Major Waste Management/Utilities project - Category Manager

Leading Saudi Arabian Utilities company - Major construction project Role: Buyer Salary: 25-35,000 SAR Location: Saudi Arabia This Leading Procuremen

Procurement Senior Manager - Global Blue-Chip

World renowned professional services firmRole: Senior Consultant - Indirect GeneralistLocation: London - WFH / Occasional travelSalary: £60-70k + Pack

Safeguarding Trustee

Flexible location

Save the Children

Are you motivated by our vision of creating a world where every child doesn't just survive, but thrives, and can go on to change the world?

Grade 10 - £63,673 to £69,561 (appointment is normally made at lowest point on scale)

The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education - EAUC - has a unique opportunity to be our CEO. Are you that person?

Deputy Young Transport Workers Officer (London)

Starting at £54,879 – £64,730 (plus a bonus of 1/12th of annual salary)

International Transport Workers Federation (ITF)

The Deputy Young Transport Workers Officer, based in our London office will develop strategies for organising young transport workers, ensuring tha...

Innovative Procurement Manager - Media Production

GBP55000 - GBP65000 per annum + + Package

HRIS Specialist

£50000.00 - £65000.00 per annum + Bonus, negotiable, work abroad

This is a fully autonomous role, where you will have full ownership to design, implement, and bring to life an established but underutilised HRIS system.

Head of Human Resources - Part Time

SW3 6JJ, London (Greater)

£60,000 - £70,000 FTE + Benefits

Job description Job Purpose The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity (RMCC) raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre...

Head of People

Wallington, London (Greater)

Cognus Band 6 £39,872.04 (0.6 FTE of £66,454.84)

Cognus Limited

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of People to lead our HR department, develop our teams and provide strategic direction.

Construction Category Manager

£570 per day (inside IR35)

Langley Search & Interim

The Opportunity:-   Our client is currently recruiting for an interim Construction Category Manager to deliver commercial strategy and tendering / ...

Senior Indirect Procurement Consultant / FTSE 250

Hr business partner - hybrid working.

Salisbury, England

£47000 - £53000 per hour

Are you an experienced HR Business Partner with Public Sector experience who can commute to Salisbury 2-3 days a week? Are you available to start a new interim role at relative short notice? If so please apply today.

Global Mobility Senior Manager

£70000.00 - £95000.00 per annum + Bonus, cash allowance, negotiable

We are looking for a Senior Manager to join our Financial Services Global Mobility Services (GMS) Technology team in London. Our Global Mobility Service (GMS) practice is a diverse and fast-growing area of our Tax business.

Junior Business Partner

Your new company This company is one of the world's leading technology communication companies. They have a large international presence, leveraging 12,000 employees in the UK alone.

Head of External Affairs: Fair By Design

£47,013-£56,415 pa + up to 10% contributory pension

Barrow Cadbury Trust

Seeking a talented individual with an outstanding track record of successfully delivering impactful communications and public affairs strategies.

Associate Director – B2B technology PR

£65000 - £80000 per annum

Are you an Associate Director ready to change agencies? Looking to work with industry defining clients? Are you an individual with the ambition to become...

Tewkesbury, England

£45000.00 - £55000.00 per annum + full range of benefits

HR Manager, to £55k pa + bens, hybrid working, Tewkesbury based organisation, HR generalist post, perm. Proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for a superb leading,well established and growing retail organisation.

GBP50000 - GBP65000 per annum +

Direct Procurement Specialist- Leading Automotive Firm- £40-50K+ Package- London Based Procurement Consultant Role- Leading Top 100- Forbes Procurement and Supply Chain Consultancy Specialist- £65K+ Exciting Benefits Prestigious Central Lo

MD for an ambitious PR agency

£120,000 - £150,000

f1 Recruitment

An incredible opportunity for an MD to join this award winning integrated agency. Reporting into the CEO, this is an exciting opportunity to lead t...

HR & OD Business Partner

£54223 - £60316 per annum

Are you an experienced HR Business Partner looking for a new challenge? With a refreshed HR & OD Strategy and senior leadership team this is a great time to join.

Head of Development

Clerkenwell, London

£45-50k per annum

Art Angel Trust

The role has a strong understanding of the funding landscape in the UK and has successfully fundraised from trusts and foundations and private patrons

Oxfordshire, England

£50000 - £60000 per annum

A newly created Head of HR role within a post-transformation setting.

Procurement Manager - Travel and Events

USD120000 - USD130000 per annum +

Procurement Manager - Travel and Events Procurement - $120,000 - $130,000 - Global Leader in Food and Beverage - RemoteIf you want to hear more about

HRIS Project Manager (iTrent)

£400 - £500 per day

1 My London based healthcare client is looking for an experience HRIS Project Manager (iTrent) to join the team on an interim basis. (Hybrid working)

Director of Communications

Avon & Somerset Police

We support the lives of millions of people across our diverse communities, and have a workforce of over 6,000 inspiring and dedicated staff,

Head of Digital

City of London, London / London

£100000 - £120000 per annum

Head of Digital (B2B Marketing)**NEW ROLE** The CompanyAn international law firm with an exceptionally strong brand platform and a reputation for exce

Interim Head of HR

£70000 - £75000 per annum

We are looking for a Head of HR to join a unique organisation in central London for 12 months.

FM / Construction Procurement Manager - Global FTSE 250

Dublin City Centre

EUR75000 - EUR85000 per annum + bonus + flexi working

FM & Construction Procurement Manager - Global FTSE 250 FMCG - 85,000 EURO + package Location: Berkshire (flexible working available)

Procurement Manager - Production and Special Projects

GBP55000 - GBP60000 per annum + + Package

Procurement Officer - Global Mega City

GBP50000 - GBP60000 per annum +

Procurement Officer - Flagship Mega Project in Saudi Arabia - Raw Materials and Direct Procurement - Riyadh - 15-20,000 SAR per month + benefits - ARA

FM Procurement Manager - Global FTSE 250 FMCG

GBP75000 - GBP80000 per annum + bonus + flexi working

FM Procurement Manager - Global FTSE 250 FMCG - £80,000 + package Location: Berkshire (flexible working available)

Recruitment Partner - Technology / Digital

£45000 - £55000 per annum + bonus, benefits package & hybrid working

We are looking for you to be a great team-player who enjoys working with others to achieve exceptional team results.

Procurement & Supply Chain - Management Consultants

GBP70000 - GBP90000 per annum + bonus + excellent package

Procurement & Supply Chain - Management Consultants - Multiple Opportunities Rapidly Growing Management Consultancy London + Flexibility + Some Travel £70,000 - 90,000 (depending on experience)

Director of Finance and Operations

£77,500 - £85,000

We are looking for a strategic inspiring leader with substantial experience in delivering financial and operational leadership.

Global Hard FM Procurement Manager

GBP70000 - GBP80000 per annum + bonus + excellent package

Global Hard FM Procurement Manager - Global FMCG - London - £70,000 - £80,000 + Package

Senior Facilities (FM) Procurement Manager

GBP75000 - GBP85000 per annum + Package, Rapid Progression

Senior Facilities (FM) Procurement Manager - Global Property Giant - London - £75,000 - £85,000 + Package

Generating over $600 million in annual revenue, this dynamic food and beverage organization are undergoing progressive internal transformation - buil

Head of Innovation and Partnerships (Health)

£50520 - £51468 Per Annum

Head of Innovation and Partnerships (Health) We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Innovation and Partnerships to drive innovation to support the work in integrated health and care delivery, and progress opportunities to build new partners

Taxation Accountant

Sandy, Bedfordshire (Hybrid)

£42,768.00 - £52,124.00 per annum

This role will become the charity's internal tax expert, providing advice on all taxes that affect the organisation and its entities.

Head of Business Development

£49584 - £50520 Per Annum

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Business Development to deliver the charity’s ambitious business development goals.

Finance Manager (maternity cover, 15 months)

E2 9DA, London (Greater)

£50 - £60k depending on experience

ISEAL Alliance

ISEAL is looking for an experienced and motivated 15-month maternity cover for the position of Finance Manager. The role encompasses all responsibi...

Director of Talent & Learning

Essex (Hybrid)

C£90,000 basic salary plus Excellent Benefits

Essex (Hybrid: 2/3 days per week Essex with travel/WFH) Our client is a multi-site, fast paced service organisation with strong values. The busines...

Global Indirect Procurement Specialist

GBP50000 - GBP60000 per annum + Excellent Bonus, Rapid Progression

Global Indirect Procurement Specialist - World-Leading Professional Services Organisation - London + Flex. - £50,000 - £60,000 + Excellent Package

Head of People and Organisational Development

Location: Bridgwater College Academy

Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 per annum

Bridgwater & Taunton College

Bridgwater and Taunton College Trust is seeking to recruit an outstanding colleague to the position of Head of People and Organisational Development.

Head Of Procurement

St Helena Island, South Atlantic

£75k pa (Salary of £60k pa, plus International Supplement)

St Helena Government

Enjoying unique lifestyle opportunities, St Helena Island is a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom.

Contract Manager

£60k pa (Salary of £45k pa, plus International Supplement)

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR | Corporate Reputation, Brands

£75,000 - £80,000

This global communications agency is seeking a proven corporate and business media strategist, with solid editorial relationships and deep expertis...

Associate Director / Senior Associate Director – Energy & Sustainability

London (Central)

Depending on experience

Premier Resourcing UK

Associate Director / Senior Associate Director – Energy & Sustainability GV5409 Exciting London agency looking to recruit someone with publ...

Director (Financial PR - Tech, Natural Resources, Financial Services )

Up to £150'000 + benefits

Brook Street

Director (Financial PR - Tech, Natural Resources, Financial Services ). Leading Corporate & Financial PR Agency. Competitive Salary.

Procurement Manager - Strategic TV Production

GBP60000 - GBP65000 per annum + + Package

Head of People, Organisational Development and the Workplace

Hybrid Working with Head Office at Euston, London NW1 1BS

Circa £80,000 pa plus excellent benefits

Origin Housing

Origin Housing are now seeking an exceptional individual to join them as their new Head of People, Organisational Development and the Workplace.

Senior Procurement Manager - Indirects - Global Law Firm - Leeds & Hybrid working - £70-75k + package This globally recognised law firm, renowned for

Strategic Sourcing Manager - International TV Production

Senior media relations manager.

Senior Media Relations Manager Seeking a new in-house challenge leading a team to create and deliver media relations strategies for a global profes

Interim Resourcing Advisor

Your new role You will be joining this multinational market leading brand as they prepare to launch an exciting new project across the UK.

Senior Manager - Pay & Reward

Hybrid flexible working with office locations nationally

£55000 - £65000 per annum + generous benefits

My highly respected national Charity client has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Pay and Reward specialist to join their organisation.

Senior HR Advisor

Bournemouth, England

£20.58 - £28.64 per hour

Seeking an experienced HR Advisor / Senior ER Advisor to join a large organisation managing a complex case load of ER 3-6 months +

Programme Manager

£55k per year

Implement key organisational change initiatives which are critical to the achievement of the Charity's strategic aims and objectives.

Director of People & Operations

Hybrid working. Largely home-based, some in-person expected. Some flexibility for hot-desk locations

Are you an ambitious, innovative, and values-led leader who could form a key part of this charity's Senior Leadership Team?

Account Director

£400 - £450 per day

Head of Finance

£52,404 - £62,573

We are looking for a Head of Finance to lead on the development and implementation of financial strategy, financial planning and budgeting

Head of P2P Outsourcing (BPO)

EUR100000.00 - EUR120000.00 per annum +

This international FinTech organization provides technology and consulting services to its clients around the world including the implementation of customized Procure-to-Pay (P2P) and Source-to-Contract (S2C) solutions that digitize and simplify purchasin

Indirect Marketing Procurement Manager / Best-in-Class

Indirect Marketing Procurement Manager / FMCG / Nationally Loved Brand / London / £60,000 - £70,000 + Benefits inc. Bonus

Resourcing and Data Analytics Manager

£65000.00 - £80000.00 per annum

Resourcing and Data Analytics Manager, Leading FTSE 250 Firm, London, Hybrid, Permanent, 65K - 80K

Head of HR/HR Director

Abingdon, England

£75000.00 - £100000.00 per annum

We are looking for a Head of HR/HRD with M&A experience to join our life science client in Oxfordshire.

Category Manager

Senior Procurement Category Manager- Global FMCG London Based- £60-70K + Package

Flagship project - Procurement Buyer - Tech

GBP60000 - GBP80000 per annum +

Procurement Buyer- (IT, Hardware, Software) (Multiple Roles) - Working with a leading Global Procurement Consultancy on a Flagship Project in Saudi

Leading Saudi Arabian Utilities company - Major construction project Role: Buyer Salary: 25-30,000 SAR Location: Riyadh This Leading Procurement & S

Interim Benefits Manager EMEA

£300.00 - £600.00 per day

Interim Benefits Manager EMEA - Financial services - London Hybrid Competitive day rate - inside scope of IR35 Interim Benefits job Interim Benefits Specialist Interim Benefits Consultant

Interim HR Talent Partner / HR Business Partner

Procurement category manager - indirects.

Global Procurement CPS Lead - £multibillion FMCG Major - LONDON / WFH - £70-77k + Car and other package details Global FMCG brand is seeking a bright

Global Procurement Category Manager - Professional Services

Title: Procurement Category Manager - Professional Services and Business IntelligenceCompany: Global FTSE 100 Financial Services FirmLocation: WFH - L

Interim HP BP - Technology

£427.00 - £518.00 per day

Interim HR BP to support a Tech population - 9-12 months + - London Hybrid up to £518 per day inside scope Interim HR Business Partner job Immediate start

Regional HR BP - 12 M FTC

£65000.00 - £70000.00 per annum

Interim Regional HR BP - 12 month FTC - Facilities Management - London - c£65,000 - £70,000 plus car allowance Interim HR BP - 12 month FTC - Facilities Management - London - c£65,000 - £70,000 plus car allowance Interim Human Resources Business Partn

Interim Reward Manager

£400.00 - £500.00 per day

Interim Reward Manager - Global Law Firm - London/Remote - up to £500 per day inside scope Interim Reward Manager - Global Law Firm - London/Remote - up to £500 per day inside scope

Procurement Consultant

GBP60000 - GBP65000 per annum +

Procurement Consultant - Forbes Top 100 Procurement and Supply Chain Consultancy Specialist-£65K+ Exciting Benefits- Prestigious Central London Office Location Procurement Consultant Forbes Top 100 Procurement and Supply Chain Consultancy Speciali

Talent Acquisition Partner - Technology

An international Investment Management Firm

Procurement - Managing Consultant

GBP40000 - GBP60000 per annum + package

Procurement - Managing Consultant - Global FTSE 100 Professional Services Firm - London - £40 - 60k + Excellent Benefits Package

Global Procurement Consultant (multiple roles)

GBP30000 - GBP60000 per annum + package

Global Procurement Consultant (multiple roles) - Management Consultancy - London - £30,000 - £60,000 + Excellent Package + Personalised Career Plan + State of the Art Offices

Global Junior Procurement Consultant

Global Junior Procurement Consultant - GNFR- International FMCG Firm - London - £40,000 - £60,000 - Excellent Package - Fast Track Career Progression

Strategic Sourcing Manager, IT & Technology

EUR60000 - EUR90000 per annum + bonus + benefits

Strategic Sourcing Manager, IT & Technology - Global FTSE 100 FMCG Player - Dublin- £50,000 - €90,000 + Bonus & Benefits

Procurement Category Manager, HR & Professional Services

Procurement Category Manager, HR & Professional Services - Iconic Brand - Dublin with Flexible Working - €90,000 + Benefits

IT Procurement Team Lead

EUR60000 - EUR80000 per annum + package

IT Procurement Team Lead - Global FTSE 100 Conglomerate - Amsterdam - €80,000 + Package

Software Technology Procurement Manager

EUR55000 - EUR90000 per annum + bonus + benefits

Software Technology Procurement Manager - Strategic Growth Initiative - £25bn+ Professional Services Giant - DUBLIN

Reward Manager - Analytics

Bonus, car cash allowance, hybrid

The Reward Manager (Analytics) role requires a professional with a broad and detailed working knowledge of compensation processes with the expertise to implement change using complex reward analytics.

Reward Analyst

Bonus, hybrid, negotiable

The scope of this role is to support the Reward Director in the delivery of group wide annual pay and performance review, share plans across the organisation, the provisions for pension arrangements and the employee benefits offering across the Group.

Procurement Consultant - Forbes Top 100 Procurement and Supply Chain Consultancy Specialist-£65K+ Exciting Benefits- Prestigious Central London Office Location Senior Procurement Consultant Forbes Top 100 Procurement and Supply Chain Consultancy S

Part home/part office (London) based

£90,000 per annum

The UK Committee for UNICEF

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as the Director of Communications.

Non-Executive Directors

£4,800 p.a.

Raven Housing Trust

We’re looking for two people to join our Board...

In House Media Relations Manager Role at Top Law Firm

Exceptional In House Media Relations Manager wanted for top tier global Law Firm!   Salary: £70k DOE - our client will flex for the right candidate

Head of Foundation Partnerships

£60,000 per annum

This is a great time to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as we have ambitious plans over the next five years.

Bradford, West Yorkshire

Bradford Council

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council – Head of Procurement Bradford is an extraordinary city. Vibrant and diverse, it’s a place of opport...

£50000.00 - £60000.00 per annum + full range of benefits

Trainer, to £60k pa, permanent, hybrid with Bristol/Birmingham/Bracknell or Guildford office. Finance sector, leading, long standing and award winning company.

HR Consultant - TMO Change Project

Cheltenham, England

£350.00 - £400.00 per day + WFH/remote working

HR Consultant - Target Operating Model change project, up to £400 per day, remote working, interim asap. FTSE 100 multi-national engineering organisation which has its headquarters in Cheltenham.

Principal Commercial Manager

Canary Wharf, London (Greater)

£51,810 - £59,405 pa

Exciting opportunity for a proven senior commercial professional, with extensive experience of delivering end to end procurement activity.

Senior Procurement Manager - Professional Services

GBP60000 - GBP75000 per annum +

Senior Procurement Manager - Professional Services - Multinational Communications Firm - £80-90K + Bonus - London based (hybrid model working) One of

Procurement Category Manager - Professional Services & HR

GBP60000 - GBP75000 per annum + Benefits

Blue chip FMCG firm seeks a strong Professional Services sourcing expert to join its world-class procurement function.

Procurement Category Manager

GBP55000 - GBP65000 per annum + + Car & Benefits

Iconic FMCG brand seeks a high-achieving procurement expert to join the ranks and drive a crucial spend category towards best-in-class.

Belper, England

A Permanent HR Manager Job in Belper, Derby Paying up to £60,000 + 10% Bonus Depending on Experience

Deputy Development Director

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

£45,000, - £50,000, depending on experience.

This is a great opportunity for an enthusiastic & motivated professional to develop their fundraising skills in one of the most friendliest Cambridge.

Senior Procurement Consultant

Senior Procurement Consultant - Forbes Top 100 Procurement and Supply Chain Consultancy Specialist-£65K+ Exciting Benefits- Prestigious Central London Office Location Senior Procurement Consultant Forbes Top 100 Procurement and Supply Chain Consult

Head of Communications and Engagement

Gatwick, West Sussex

Circa £70,000 per annum + excellent benefits, including flexible working and 33 days annual leave +

KENT SURREY SUSSEX AHSN LTD

KSS AHSN is seeking to appoint a dynamic Head of Communications and Engagement to join their team!

Head of People Support Services

West Midlands Region

£70,086 - £73,333

West Midlands Fire Service

Head of People Support Services West Midlands Fire Service £70,086 - £73,333 Who we are West Midlands Fire Service is an ambitious and progressive ...

Strategic Partnerships Director - Remote

Up to £80,000 per annum + benefits

Micro:bit Educational Foundation

Partnership is a key value of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation and has been central to our success from the very start of the organisation, hel...

Procurement Administrator / Riyadh

GBP15000 - GBP22000 per month + living allowances

Procurement Officer Arabic Speaking - supporting a Flagship Mega Project in Saudi Arabia - Renewable Energy & Sustainable Technologies - Riyadh - 15,0

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How to Prepare a Speech

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 731,930 times.

Preparing a speech isn't difficult if you have a process you can follow. There are tried-and-true steps for putting together a talk, so relax and read on to get your speech in order and your speech anxiety under control.

Sample Speeches

Starting With Your Audience

• Personal narrative. A narrative is just another word for story. If you're asked to tell a story about yourself, find out if the intention is to use something that's happened to you in order to teach a lesson, convey a moral, offer inspiration or simply to entertain.
• Informative speech. [3] X Research source There are two kinds of informative speeches: process and expository. If you're charged with doing a process speech, the idea is for you to explain how something is done, how something is made or how something works. You take your audience step-by-step through the process. If your speech is meant to be expository, your job is to take what might be a complex subject and break it down into sections as a way of educating your audience about the topic.
• Persuasive speech. [4] X Research source If you're meant to persuade, then your job is to convince your audience to adopt a particular way of thinking, a belief or a behavior that you advocate for.
• Ceremonial speech. [5] X Research source Ceremonial speeches run the gamut from wedding toasts to eulogies, from graduation speeches to farewell addresses. Many of these speeches are intended to be short and the focus is often on entertaining, inspiring or increasing the audience's appreciation for someone or something.

• Read the newspaper. If you can find a way to link your speech topic to something that's happening in the news, you can highlight the relevance of what you have to say to your audience.
• Translate numbers. Using statistics in your speech can be impactful, but they can be even more meaningful if you translate them in a way the audience can understand. For example, you could say that worldwide, 7.6 million people die of cancer every year, but to make it more relatable, you might want to follow it up by saying that that number represents the entire population of Switzerland.
• Express the benefits. It's a good idea to let an audience know exactly what they'll get out of your speech, so that they're primed to listen. If they'll learn how to save money, tell them. If the information you're about to share will make their lives easier in some way, make that clear. If they'll gain a new appreciation of someone or something, let them know.

Researching and Writing Your Speech

• Outlines can be written in complete sentences or they can be a series of abbreviated phrases and reminders. Another approach is to begin by writing complete sentences and then transferring your outline on to note cards on which you abbreviate those sentences using just the words and memory prompts you need.
• Pull out your old English textbooks and review things like similes, metaphors, alliteration and other kinds of figurative language. These kinds of devices can add to the impact of a ceremonial speech.
• Beware one pitfall of the scripted speech: having a page full of words in front of you can cause you to fall into the trap of simply reading from your script without every looking up, making eye contact or engaging with the audience in any way. Thorough practice should help to eliminate your chances of falling into this trip.

• Offer a preview. Think of a preview as kind of the "coming attractions" of your speech. Plan to tell your audience the main points you'll talk about in your speech. There's not need to go into any detail here; you'll get to that when you come to the body of your speech. You can write a preview that's simply one sentence in length to cover what you need to say here.
• Body. The body is where the "meat" of your speech resides. The points you outlined or the information you scripted make up the body. There are several ways to organize the information within the body of your speech--in time sequence, in step order, from most important point to least important point, problem-solution, to name just a few. Choose an organizational pattern that makes sense based on your speech goal.
• Give a summary. One of the ways an audience remembers what a speech was about is through intentional repetition. In your introduction, you gave a preview of what you'd be talking about. In your speech body, you talked about those things. Now, in your conclusion, you remind your audience what you talked about. Simply offer a brief review of the main points you touched on in your speech.
• End with a clincher. A clincher is a memorable, definitive statement that gives your speech a sense of closure. One easy way to do this is to write a clincher that refers back to what you said in the attention-getter of your speech. This helps bring your presentation full circle and provides a sense of closure.

Choosing Visual Aids

• Don't write everything you plan to say on your slides. We've all suffered through speeches where the speaker did little more that read off of his or her slides. That's boring for the audience, and they soon disengage. Instead, use word charts to preview, review or highlight key information. Remember, the sides should be a supplement to what you're going to say rather than an exact copy of it.
• Make your slides readable. Use a font size that's easy for your audience to read and don't overcrowd your slides. If your audience can't see or get through the material on your slides, they won't have served any purpose.
• Use animations sparingly. Having graphics fly around, zoom in and out ,and change colors can be engaging but can also be distracting. Be careful not to overdo the special effects. Your slides should be a supporting player rather than the star of the show.

Rehearsing Your Speech

• Leave yourself time to practice. If you're given to procrastinating, you could find yourself with very little or no time to practice before you deliver your speech, which could leave you feeling unprepared and anxious.

• Look at your audience. Almost nothing does more to keep an audience engaged than eye contact from a speaker. As you rehearse your speech, be sure to look at the family members or friends who've agreed to be your audience. It takes a bit of practice to be able to look at your outline, script or note cards, capture a thought or two and then come up and deliver that information while looking at your audience. It's yet another reason why rehearsal time is so important.
• If you don't have the opportunity to practice in front of people, be sure that when you do rehearse, that you say your speech aloud. You don't want your speech day to be the first time you hear the words of your speech coming out of your mouth. Plus, speaking out loud gives you a chance to double-check and correct any mispronunciations, practice articulating your words clearly and confirm the timing of your speech (We speak more quickly when we simply recite a speech in our heads).

Reducing Speech Anxiety

• Clench and release. Ball up your fists really, really tight and hold for a second or two and then release. Repeat this a few times. You can do the same thing by squeezing the muscles in your calves very tightly and then releasing. With each release, you should feel a reduction in your adrenaline-induced symptoms.
• Take deep breaths. The adrenaline in your system causes you to take more shallow breaths that, in turn, increase your feeling of anxiety. You need to break the cycle. Take a deep breath through your nose and allow the air to fill your belly. Once your belly is full, let your breath fill and expand your ribcage. Finally, allow your breath to move fully into your chest. Open your mouth slightly and begin to exhale starting first with the air in your chest, then the air in your ribcage and finally the breath in your belly. Repeat this inhale-exhale cycle five times.

• Negative thoughts are incredibly powerful--one estimate is that you need five positive thoughts to counteract every one negative thought you have, so steer clear of them.

How Do You Practice a Speech Effectively?

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Use your own language style. Do not use the words that you have never said in your life. Take it easy. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
• Try to keep the majority of your topic entertaining, or at least interesting, so that the audience won't get bored. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure your speech hangs together well and makes sense. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/powerspeak/ch03.html
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/informative-speaking
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/persuasive-speaking
• ↑ https://opentext.ku.edu/speakupcallin/chapter/chapter-15-ceremonial-speaking/
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/oral-comm-lab/audience-analysis
• ↑ https://liu.cwp.libguides.com/c.php?g=913567&p=6581500
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/5-most-effective-methods-for-avoiding-plagiarism/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/speeches/
• ↑ https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/public-speaking-tips/preparing-a-speech
• ↑ https://counseling.uiowa.edu/self-help/30-ways-to-manage-speaking-anxiety/
• ↑ https://fscj.pressbooks.pub/publicspeaking/chapter/benefits-of-visual-aids/

About This Article

To prepare a speech, start by writing an introduction that grabs the audience's attention with a surprising or interesting fact, quote, or question. Then, include your most important points in the body of your speech, making them as clear and easy-to-follow as possible so your audience stays tuned in. Finally, wrap up your speech with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and ends with a memorable, definitive statement. To learn the best ways to research and outline your speech, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write an Impromptu Speech

Jordyn mcmahon.

Impromptu speeches are some of the hardest to prepare and give, particularly since you generally have little or no time to write a speech or even an outline. Teachers often create assignments that prompt students to speak candidly on a topic in the interest of instructing them to think on their feet. While it's rare that you have time to write an entire impromptu speech, there are tips for outlining and delivering the best speech possible.

Explore this article

• Delivering a Great Impromptu Speech
• Think carefully about the topic
• Outline the topic
• Incorporate an intriguing hook
• Avoid hackneyed phrases
• Finish as strongly as you started

things needed

• Index cards or paper (if applicable)

1 Delivering a Great Impromptu Speech

2 think carefully about the topic.

Think carefully about the topic you've been given for your impromptu speech, focusing on what you know about it. If you are allowed to choose your topic, select one that you're fairly familiar with and can speak freely about.

3 Outline the topic

Outline the topic if you have a chance on index cards or a piece of paper. You won't have the opportunity to write an entire speech, so jot down key points. You must prepare quickly, but be calm and take pride in the pieces of information you know. This will give you confidence in your speech delivery. It's a generally good idea to have three key points regarding the topic.

4 Incorporate an intriguing hook

Incorporate an intriguing hook to get listeners interested right off the bat. The hook is one of the most important parts of the speech. Additionally, add humor or brief anecdotes to keep the audience listening, and save your most important point until last to end with a bang.

5 Avoid hackneyed phrases

Avoid hackneyed phrases such as "The topic I am going to speak about is..." or "I really think that..." These types of statements immediately make the audience feel that it's listening to a novice speaker. Instead, strongly assert facts and opinions. If you can think off the bat of an expert who shares your point of view, cite that person in your speech.

6 Finish as strongly as you started

Finish as strongly as you started. Just as your first lines are intended to hook the audience, your final lines are intended to make your message resonate in their heads.

About the Author

Jordynn McMahon specializes in travel, technology and health articles. She currently works as a marketing specialist in the software industry. McMahon has a B.A. in English from UC Santa Barbara, as well as an M.A. in English literature and composition from San Jose State University.

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After Biden's shaky debate performance, Democrats' support is lukewarm

WASHINGTON – After months of watching their Republican colleagues answer for the chaos in their party, it was Congress’ Democratic lawmakers who had to respond to the tough questions on Friday.

The morning after President Joe Biden’s shocking first debate of the 2024 White House campaign against presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump – marked by stumbles, freezes and an unforgettable gaffe that the Democratic incumbent “finally beat Medicare” – his party's elected officials were swarmed by reporters asking whether it was time to abandon Biden as their nominee.

Those lawmakers who may stand a chance of convincing Biden to drop out of the race, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., ignored shouted questions as they entered the historic chamber. They kept their heads down, though they answered questions after they later emerged.

A number of Democratic staffers trailed their bosses to ensure they wouldn’t veer off message. Other Democrats quickly left the Capitol and ducked any questions about Biden’s debate performance, flying out of Washington for a week-long Fourth of July recess. 

Lawmakers who did speak with reporters acknowledged Biden’s performance was not his best, but brushed off inquiries about whether he is the best choice to represent Democrats as they face off against Trump – the former president who many in the Democratic Party see as an existential threat to U.S. democracy. 

“It was not his best time, but it was one event,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the former chairman of the House Select Committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. “His policies make sense for the country and a lot of us are sticking with him.” 

The president “got off to a bad start,” said Pelosi, who added that she thought Biden later “came through okay on the issues.”

Biden performed “horribly” last night, Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., said. “I think a lot of my friends are not at the logical point right now. I think people are panic stricken,” Cleaver said of his fellow Democrats’ calls to switch out Biden for a different nominee.

Democratic pundits and strategists have raised the prospect of holding an open contest at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this August in an attempt to replace Biden with another nominee on the November ticket. 

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said it was “not my position” to say whether Biden should drop out of the race: “I stand behind the ticket.”

“Stay the course. Chill out,” said Clyburn to those in his party pushing for a replacement. He said it was “a poor performance,” but “who classifies the end result by one segment, one performance?”

“That was strike one,” he later added. “If this were a ball game, he’s got two more swings.”

“Joe Biden is going to be our nominee. End of story,” Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., who was at at the debate as a surrogate on behalf of the Biden campaign, told reporters Friday. “We’re gonna unite behind Joe Biden.”

One of Biden's top campaign surrogates, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., told reporters: "We have a great team of people that will help govern and that is what I'm going to continue to make the case for," in what appeared to be a tacit admission Biden needs others' help to lead.

There was little attempt from Democrats to spin the narrative given Biden’s shaky performance. Those that did tried to focus on Trump’s myriad false claims on the debate stage, including that he offered National Guard troops to protect the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Thompson blamed the debate moderators for not fact-checking Trump’s claims, despite the Biden campaign proposing the debates and agreeing to the parameters. It was Biden’s staffers, Thompson said, who erred.

“His advisors and others should have helped him come up with the ground rules for the debate and obviously most people would have chosen ground rules (so) at least people couldn’t get up and say something that factually wasn’t true,” Thompson said.

Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., acknowledged Biden had the opportunity to discredit Trump and rebuke his false claims, but “it didn’t happen.”

Rep. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., went further and said Biden should not proceed with a second debate against Trump, which is currently scheduled for September. A Biden campaign adviser told USA TODAY the president does not plan to drop out of the race and is committed to taking part in a second debate against Trump. 

Democrats in competitive races rebuffed the electoral risks of having Biden at the top of the ticket.

Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, said he doesn't think the debate performance will have "any impact" on the Senate race his colleague Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, is running against Sen. Ted Cruz in the Lone Star state.

"I think the American public wants a Democratic House and a Democratic Senate," Veasey said.

“The performance that I have between now and November and the record that I have voting in Congress – that’s what’s going to give people the confidence to reelect me in my district,” Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., one of the most vulnerable House Democrats said, declining to say whether he has concerns about Biden’s presence on the ticket.

“We’re a purple state. We’re always worried about Michigan,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., who is close to the state’s Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, an oft-mentioned contender for the Democratic nomination if Biden were not running. “I’m not part of the drama of this town that demands because somebody had a bad night we’re in a crisis. Let’s see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Republicans were gloating about Trump’s performance. Thursday night’s debate offered a massive sense of vindication for GOP lawmakers who have relentlessly attacked Biden over his age and mental fitness to serve.

“There was only one man on that stage who is capable and qualified of being elected president in the next term, and his name is Donald J. Trump,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters. “President Biden showed last night that he was weak, sadly, that he is feeble and he said a number of things that are just demonstrably untrue.”

Trump “demonstrated command talking about issues that are plaguing this country. As far as Joe Biden?” said Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., one of the nearly 20 Republicans seen as an option for Trump's vice-presidential running mate. Shrugging and cracking a smile, Donalds added: “My Democrat colleagues – I’ll let them talk about that.”

Contributing: Joey Garrison

Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified one of the lawmakers who commented on President Biden's debate performance. The quote came from Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas.

Letters to the Editor | Letters: Supreme Court’s new low | Biden wasn’t…

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Letters to the Editor | Letters: Supreme Court’s new low | Biden wasn’t ready to debate | Biden must come clean

Supreme Court hits a new low

The Supreme Court has hit a new low in their efforts to protect and defend Donald Trump from prosecution. They have spit on the Founding Fathers and the rule of law. They have left this country open to all forms of authoritarian abuse by Trump if he is elected President. If Joe Biden is actually as bad as the Republicans say he is, he would arrest Donald Trump and his Republican boot-lickers today as well as disbanding the Supreme Court. But he is not Donald Trump and will leave it to the will of the people.

It is up to the voters to see what is at stake in this election. Look at what Trump says he wants to do. Read the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 which will be his blueprint. The Republicans will go along with anything he wants and not blink. You will lose your rights — especially women, minorities of all sorts, the working class and anyone who believes in free speech. People need to register to vote and actually vote in November.

Kenneth Dugan Davenport

Biden’s handlers unprepared for debate circus

You knew your boss was going to a dance, so you prepared him to waltz. Your opponent was also going to a “dance;” however, his was a different dance. A street brawl. Before your boss could match dance steps to the music, his opponent was already kicking him in the groin and throwing rabbit punches.

Biden’s debate performance spurs Democratic panic about his ability to lead party against Trump

What were you thinking? You knew all along that the dance was going to be a fight and you failed your boss. You should stand before him, your co-workers and the country and apologize. It was your fault that Biden sat there stunned and looked stunned while tens of millions of people watched him get pummeled on TV.

Why did you prepare for a debate knowing it was going to be a clown circus? You could have prepared Biden to be the straight man teasing the clown. Maybe you could have had Biden hold up his hands counting with his fingers, one finger per lie. Non-verbal facial expressions of glee and mirth while his opponent was throwing hyperbolic lie bombs. With microphone turned on, he could then chuckle and say he couldn’t count fast enough to keep up with the lying. My parrot has a larger vocabulary than Trump so it would be easy to find six or eight Trumpisms for Biden to have fun with to fill the time.

Apologize today and prepare for the next clown circus. With the Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, you cannot fail our country.

Greg Gensheimer Montverde

Biden must be honest about health

President Biden needs to be forthright with the American people. He must share the honest truth about health issues that are sparking intense debate. If he reveals unknown information and steps aside, he will garner widespread support and sympathy from the public. This will not only boost his popularity but also invigorate the entire Democratic Party. This is the true way to turn lemons into lemonade.

The nation urgently needs change. Republicans who oppose Trump and non-affiliated voters need an alternative. President Biden is unlikely to secure their votes. Only staunch Democrats will vote for a good man who may be struggling with health issues. Young voters, who were already disenchanted, may have had their reluctance to vote solidified by the debate disaster. As things stand now, I believe Trump will win in a landslide.

President Biden must acknowledge any limitations publicly. I believe his withdrawal from the race is the only path to potentially saving the free world. He can turn his debate performance into an asset by using it to demonstrate his integrity. President Biden, it’s time to make that lemonade.

Bill DeBusk West Melbourne

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LAPD admits it was unprepared for Sunday’s violent protest outside LA synagogue

LOS ANGELES — Facing criticism over the police response to violence outside a Los Angeles synagogue, an LAPD official said the department erred in how it handled the protest and made estimates that “were not correct.”

And L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said she has taken steps to explore banning masks at protests, though she said she was skeptical that such a measure would hold up in court.

Bass and the police commander were speaking at a virtual security briefing convened on Wednesday afternoon by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, days after pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protesters violently skirmished outside an Orthodox synagogue in the heavily Jewish neighborhood of Pico-Robertson. Video of the clashes circulated widely, sparking accusations of a “pogrom,” and one person was arrested.

In the wake of the pro-Palestinian protest, which gathered to oppose an Israeli real estate fair held at the synagogue, figures ranging from President Joe Biden to local city officials condemned antisemitism. And at Wednesday’s event, LAPD commander Steve Lurie, the department’s Jewish community liaison, said the LAPD was unprepared for the size and nature of the rally.

“We did know that Sunday’s event was planned. We did know that people were coming to target that synagogue,” Lurie said. “Our estimates of how many, and the level of vitriol that we predicted, were not correct.”

In the wake of the clashes, some local Jews have faulted the LAPD for not responding more promptly or forcefully. Sia Koredestani, who works for an organization boosting Europe-Israel ties, posted on X , “There should have been three to four times as many police ready to respond to the anti-Jewish violence in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood.” Sam Yebri, a former candidate for local office, wrote, “Our elected officials are not keeping Jewish Angelenos safe.”

One presenter at the real estate event, who did not give his name to avoid being targeted and doxxed, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that “our beef was with LAPD,” not the pro-Palestinian protesters, and called the police “flat-footed.”

Lurie said the LAPD had deployed more than a dozen officers in anticipation of the protest, and that the department called for backup once those initial officers were overwhelmed. He said that ultimately, between 60 and 75 officers were present less than an hour after the protest’s outbreak.

“That is frustrating, and it is a long time, but does represent a fairly rapid response when we have to grab police officers from all over the city,” Lurie said.

Speaking at the briefing, Bass called the violence “abhorrent” and said she was convening religious leaders to discuss “how to protect sacred spaces, sharing ideas, practices and strategies to keep congregants safe.” The LAPD will work with Jewish security agencies, she added, to take “proactive action to prevent these incidences from taking place to begin with.”

She added that she would discuss a mask ban with the city’s attorney —  a proposal also being floated in New York in the face of disruptive pro-Palestinian rallies there — though she was skeptical of its legality. Mask bans, which were on the books for decades in some states, have been challenged on First Amendment grounds . Some critics have said bans would stigmatize those who wear masks as a public health measure. Bass first raised the idea at a press conference on Monday.

“At this point, we don’t think that this will withstand judicial scrutiny, but we are still looking into it, and we’re examining the idea of having buffer zones around houses of worship,” Bass said.

Rabbi Noah Farkas, the federation’s CEO, called the protest a “coordinated assault” on the Jewish community. He added that the violence was not surprising.

“This is a moment that we have been almost slouching towards for a couple years now,” he said. “As we’ve said before many times, hate speech, hate incidences, they lead to hate crimes.”

This is not the first time clashes have broken out in Los Angeles between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protesters. At the University of California, Los Angeles, last month, pro-Israel protesters attacked the perimeter of a student pro-Palestinian encampment — prompting disavowals by local Jews who said they rejected violence. One pro-Israel protester, an Israel-American teenager, has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Following Sunday’s protest, most statements by officials have condemned antisemitic intimidation and violence. But the presenter at the Israeli event at the synagogue said he was also “embarrassed” by the conduct of the pro-Israel activists at the scene

“You can protest, you can chant, you can say whatever you want,” he said. “But the vitriol but on the pro-Israel side was disconcerting. I don’t think that they are representative of the border community.”

Also on the call Tuesday were L.A. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman and California State Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who chairs the state’s legislative Jewish caucus.

Gabriel, who said he was about to vote on the state budget from the capitol in Sacramento, said the budget agreement includes a $160 million commitment for a program to secure nonprofits including houses of worship. Yaroslavsky said she is also pushing the city to grant $1 million to Jewish groups to enhance security.

“This is incredible funding that has gone to dozens of shuls and synagogues and Jewish day schools and Jewish community centers across the state,” Gabriel said of the state budget funds. “This is a major, major commitment from the state of California to step up and protect our community.”

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An insider’s look at how Biden preps for a debate

Patrick Jarenwattananon

Juana Summers

NPR'S Juana Summers speaks with Bob Bauer, the personal lawyer to President Biden, who stood in for Trump and Bernie Sanders in 2020 during mock-debates for the president to prep.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

How an aging Biden and his advisers locked in a decision to run again

In late 2022, Biden’s team signaled he’d seek reelection and quashed discussions of an alternative. Now that decision hangs over the political landscape.

President Biden’s decision to pursue a second term crystallized during the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday, as he gathered on Nantucket island with his large family to discuss his political future.

At the time, the choice in some ways seemed straightforward: better-than-expected results in the midterm elections had buoyed the incumbent and silenced many of his doubters, he had successfully enacted an ambitious legislative agenda and he felt strong and healthy days after celebrating his 80th birthday.

Now, after a debate performance where his stumbles and meandering responses sent shock waves through the Democratic Party, Biden’s enormously consequential decision to run as an 81-year-old after initially saying he would be a transitional figure has come under harsher scrutiny, raising fresh questions about his small circle of advisers and the Democratic leaders who facilitated his unprecedented push to remain in office until age 86.

“I think there’s real consternation, not only among his inner circle, but in the family,” said Chris Whipple, author of “The Fight of His Life: Inside Joe Biden’s White House.” “Everybody’s wondering, ‘What happened, and can this be fixed?’”

Driving the Democratic spasm of doubt and anxiety is the prospect that Donald Trump , whom Democrats see as a dishonest, anti-democratic demagogue, now appears to have at least a reasonable chance of winning. More than at any other time in his presidency, Biden’s decision to pursue another term — and his ability to carry out his duties for another four years — faces a torrent of public questioning.

In the hours since the debate, Biden and his top officials have sought to reassure donors that he is staying in the race and is capable of doing the job. People familiar with the fundraising operation say no major donors have pulled support, and the campaign touted raising more than $27 million from the debate day through Friday evening.

Biden seemed to quell the panic at least slightly with a fiery post-debate rally on Friday in Raleigh, N.C., where he addressed the anxiety over his age while signaling that he was not rethinking his decision to run.

“I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious,” Biden said, acknowledging publicly for the first time that his speech, gait and debating skills are all showing signs of age. But he added, “I give you my word as a Biden: I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul I can do this job.”

For most of his adult life, Biden has undergone grueling decisions every four years about whether to run for president, holding prolonged discussions with family and friends about pursuing the nation’s highest office.

Despite voter concerns about his advancing age, Biden’s choice to run a final race in 2024 was in some ways easier than his previous such decisions. He was an incumbent, after all, and had enjoyed a record of unexpected legislative success while rebuilding global coalitions he deeply believed in.

His family was on board, most crucially his wife Jill and his sister Valerie Biden Owens. He viewed himself as the best positioned to compete against Trump, whose political resurgence was worrying many Democrats.

“If Trump wasn’t running, I’m not sure I’d be running,” he told Democrats at a Boston fundraiser last December. And asked by Time magazine in May if he ever considered stepping aside due to his age, he replied, “No, I didn’t.”

Just two years earlier, Biden had envisioned himself as a temporary steward of a Democratic Party that was nurturing a new and more diverse generation of leaders. “I view myself as a bridge, not as anything else,” a 77-year-old Biden said in March 2020.

But shortly after he turned 80 on Nov. 20, 2022, making him the first octogenarian in the White House, Biden decided the bridge would be much longer than many anticipated. He would run for reelection, casting his presidency not as a transition, but as a transformational era in and of itself.

There were always warning signs. A Washington Post-ABC News poll in September 2022 showed that 56 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents said the party should pick someone else as their nominee.

Republicans were already circulating videos of Biden looking confused or seeming to stumble over his words or his feet, often taken out of context. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician, observed that the president’s gait seemed stiffer, while also saying he was more than capable of serving as president. And a second presidential run would clearly be more physically taxing than in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic confined Biden to his home for long stretches.

Amid this uncertainty, the November 2022 congressional midterms instantly reshaped the dynamic in Biden’s favor, as Democrats defied widespread predictions of a “red wave” by retaining control of the Senate and keeping Republicans to a razor-thin majority in the House. To many Democrats, it suddenly seemed the party could do quite well with Biden as their leader.

“My intention is that I run again,” Biden told reporters a day after the midterms. “But I’m a great respecter of fate. And this is, ultimately, a family decision.”

The decision was also heavily influenced by a tight circle of longtime advisers — some of whom still resented top Democrats who had sidelined Biden for Hillary Clinton in 2016. His victory in 2020, coming after many of those same Democrats wrote him off due to poor showings in the early primary states, only increased his resolve to rely on his own instincts and the counsel of his family members.

Jill Biden was especially supportive of a reelection bid, and in the campaign’s early days was blunt in characterizing the election as a choice between “corruption and chaos” and stability. His other family members, including his son Hunter and grandchildren, were also in favor, according to people familiar with their thinking.

“He’d spent his whole life trying to get there,” Whipple said. “He was certainly not going to walk away from the opportunity to fulfill the work he’d started in his first term. And I think that’s just the nature of people who reach that job.”

Equally important, the Democratic Party appeared to make a collective, if informal, decision not to challenge Biden, with the exception of a short-lived bid by Rep. Dean Phillips (Minn.). Unlike other campaigns, the party’s left flank failed to put forth a charismatic challenger such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), in part because many left-leaning Democrats grudgingly appreciated some of Biden’s progressive accomplishments.

Democratic governors with star power, like California’s Gavin Newsom and Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, initially appeared to be running shadow campaigns, but the midterms ended such efforts. Some have suggested that former president Barack Obama could have prevailed on Biden not to run had he chosen, but the two men’s relationship had been strained since Obama discouraged Biden from running in 2016 in favor of Clinton, who then lost to Trump.

When Biden officially announced his reelection bid on April 25, 2023, doubts still simmered. A poll from the Associated Press showed that only 47 percent of Democrats wanted him to run again. In the 24 hours after his announcement — typically a moment of surging excitement that fuels campaign donations — the result was “extremely underwhelming,” The Post reported at the time.

Biden never faced a serious challenge in the Democratic primary, handily winning contests across the country in what amounted to a coronation. Phillips launched his campaign declaring “it’s time for a new generation,” but never rose above the nuisance level to the incumbent and his advisers. No Labels, a group that explored a potential bipartisan third-party ticket, failed to come up with a nominee , partly due to the country’s sharp polarization. The Democratic National Committee rescheduled the primary calendar to benefit Biden and declared there would be no primary debates.

As Biden ramped up his campaign, he sought to address his age by making light of it , telling one audience he was “a little under 103” and jokingly referring to “my good friend Jimmy Madison.” More seriously, his advisers pointed to special election wins for Democrats, saying they reflected the party’s strong position under Biden.

That mood of nervous acceptance blew up on Thursday.

During the debate, held in a CNN studio without an audience, Biden spoke in a raspy voice, struggled to parry Trump’s attacks, often rambled or appeared to lose his train of thought, and at times stared blankly while Trump spoke.

“Obviously that debate was a [f----ing] disaster,” Jon Favreau, a former Obama speechwriter and podcast host, wrote on X afterward, suggesting that Democrats needed to have a “serious discussion” about replacing Biden as their nominee.

“He seemed unprepared, lost, and not strong enough to parry effectively with Trump, who lies constantly,” wrote Julián Castro, the former Democratic mayor of San Antonio who served in Obama’s Cabinet.

Biden’s frequent admonition to skeptics to “watch me” suddenly seemed like a warning rather than a reassurance. Some Democrats privately questioned whether his choice to run one final race would ultimately be remembered as an act of selfishness rather than emblematic of a lifetime of service.

Even those who accepted that Biden was unlikely to step aside argued that he needed a major strategy shift.

“The onus is on the folks who have a personal relationship with the president to have real conversations about how to improve his performance and really take stock of the moment,” said one Democratic official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak bluntly about the president’s family members and close friends.

Incumbent presidents have traditionally struggled during their first debates, having grown unaccustomed to being challenged in such a sharp manner. But Biden’s performance was so “jarring” that it should prompt a fresh reassessment of his public appearances, said Joel Payne, a Democratic strategist who nonetheless supports the decision to seek another term.

Biden’s struggles Thursday were all the more unsettling to some Democrats because he had spent several days preparing for the debate. The group of advisers who helped Biden prepare at Camp David included many of the confidants who originally encouraged the president to seek another term.

Advisers to the president say the reaction to the debate has been wildly disproportionate.

Biden, they argue, has survived hard moments and has a track record of defying doubters. While they acknowledge that Biden’s performance was disappointing, they frame it as just one moment in what will be a long, tempestuous campaign.

In the first days after the debate, Democratic lawmakers have largely stuck by the president, dismissing suggestions that the party select a younger nominee. Donations have continued to stream in, with the Biden campaign declaring the hour after the debate its best fundraising moment so far.

Trump’s steady stream of falsehoods and bluster at the debate, meanwhile, may be prompting some Democrats to rally around Biden. The president’s campaign team met Friday to reassure staffers and recommit to the mission of defeating Trump in November.

Russell Riley, a presidential historian at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center, agreed that the debate’s significance will fade in weeks to come, saying, “A combination of time and the electorate’s short attention span mitigates damn near anything in presidential electoral politics.”

Ashley Parker and Tyler Pager contributed to this report.

A previous version of this article misspelled the first name of Russell Riley, the presidential historian at the University of Virginia’s Miller Center. The article has been corrected.