Extemporaneous Speech: Homework Assignments

Extemporaneous Speech
Extemporaneous speaking is one of the most natural methods for delivering a prepared
speech. You can use an extemporaneous speech to achieve a more natural tone, flow
and style with the audience.
First, think about your topics and anticipate the audience's reception to your speech.
You can develop speech notes based on this preparation and use them to aid you
during the presentation.
The following guidelines are best practices on how to practice and rehearse an
extemporaneous speech:
 Speak in a conversational style by pretending you are with your audience.

 Rehearse with your graphics and coordinate them with your talk.
 Display your graphics only when you are talking about them.
 Rehearse in front of others and solicit feedback.
 Record and listen to your timed practice speech.
 Prepare for interruptions and questions at the end.
An impromptu speech is a speech that you have to make without much or any
time to prepare. In life, this can happen when you attend special events, like
weddings or celebrations. In school, teachers use impromptu speeches
as homework assignments to help you develop communication skills and to help
you prepare for those future life surprises.
At some point in your life, however, you may be asked to speak without notice.
There are a few things you can do to avoid panic and embarrassment.
1. Grab a pen and a piece of paper. If you have a few moments before
your speech is expected to begin, grab a writing utensil and something to
write on, whether it's a napkin, envelope, or the back of a receipt you have
on hand, and jot down a few thoughts.
2. Highlight a few interesting or significant points. Keep in mind,
your impromptu speech doesn't have to be long. A little-known fact about
effective speeches is that if you start with a good line and then end with a
really great punch, the speech will be perceived as a total success. So the
beginning and ending markers are critical. The middle portion of your
speech should relate to the event you're attending or the class assignment,
but if you have to choose one great moment, your ending line is
particularly important. If you can walk away gracefully, your speech will be
a hit, so keep your big zinger for last.
3. Try to memorize key points. If you have time before your
speech, create an outline of the major themes or points and commit it to
memory with a memorization trick, like an acronym. Don't try to
remember the entire speech in detail like this; just remember important
points.
1. Hijack the topic. There is an old trick that politicians use when they're
being interviewed on TV, and once you realize this, you can use it yourself.
They think of questions ahead of time (or topics to discuss), prepare some
talking points, and talk about those, despite the topic or question they're
given. This is a handy trick when you're facing a hard question or asked to
discuss a topic with which you're unfamiliar.
2. Remember you're in charge of this time. Your goal is to deliver a
one-sided conversation, off the cuff, so you are in complete control. Relax
and make it your own. If you want to make this a funny story about your
pesky little brother who always bothers you during homework time, then
do it. Everyone will applaud your effort.
3. Feel free to acknowledge that you have not prepared for a
speech. If you are speaking in front of friends or family, it may ease your
nervousness to express your lack of preparation. This should not be an
attempt to garner pity, but rather a way to put yourself and your audience
at ease. Then, take a deep breath before you begin speaking. Zone out the
audience or choose someone specific to focus on, whichever makes you
more comfortable.
1. Begin with your introductory sentence, elaborate, then start

working your way to your ending sentence. Fill in the middle space
with as many points as you can, elaborating on each one as you go. Just
concentrate on the zinger you've reserved for the end.
2. As you deliver your speech, concentrate on diction and tone. If
you are thinking about this, you won't be thinking about the eyes watching
you. Your mind can't think about too many things at once, so think about
breathing, enunciating your words, and controlling your tone, and you'll
maintain more control.
What to Do If You Draw a Blank

If you suddenly lose your train of thought or draw a complete blank, there are a
few you can do to keep from panicking.
1. Pretend you're pausing on purpose. Walk back and forth slowly, as if you're
letting your last point sink in.
2. There is always a jokester or friendly person who will stand out in the
crowd. Make eye contact and try to draw a response from him or her while
you think.
3. If you need more time to think, you may want to ask the audience a
question. Have a few prepared ahead, like "Do you have any questions," or
"Can everyone hear me okay?"
4. If you still can't remember what you were going to say, make up a reason to
pause the speech. You can say, "I'm sorry, but my throat is very dry. Can I
please get a glass of water?" Someone will go to get you a drink, and you
will have time to think of two or three points to talk about.

Extemporaneous Speech: Homework Assignments

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Extemporaneous Speech

 Speak in a conversational style by pretending you are with your audience.

1. Begin with your introductory sentence, elaborate, then start

What to Do If You Draw a Blank

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