How to Give Impromptu Speeches

Co-authored by Patrick Muñoz

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

The secret to a successful impromptu speech is to anchor it in your personal experience. Your experience may be different, but it is never "wrong". Even if you're invited to speak on something you don't know well, turn it around and speak from experience. Always "go with what you know".

Steps

1
Know what an impromptu speech is. By definition, impromptu speeches happen without warning, but the very nature of your initial invitation (before the impromptu invitation) may give you a chance to think ahead. There are three common impromptu speeches: birthdays, toasts, and "vote of thanks".
2
Be prepared. Even impromptu speeches rarely come with no warning. Even if you only have 2-3 minutes, write 3 points on the back of a napkin, written large, so you can read it while standing. You should feel you can confidently speak on each point [or 'theme'] for at least one minute, from experience.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.} If not, you have picked the wrong three points.

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3
Start with the easy and obvious if it makes it easier to start, e.g. "I'm glad we're all gathered here today, even if Gillian did spring this speech thing on me..."
4
Relate to and connect with your audience.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.} Make it relevant. A builder talking to doctors may seem to have little common ground, until you point out that both professions have to deal with problems and people, e.g. "You know, we have a lot in common. Every day I'm dealing with troublesome inanimate objects which I call carpentry but you call patients." [laughter, pause] "And there is nothing more satisfying than fixing some slippery sucker with a nail gun." The audience has now warmed to your theme!
5
Remember that you don't have to accept the premise on which you're invited to speak. Or, you might spend 2 minutes exploring it and 2 minutes debunking it.
6
Avoid making statements, even in jest, which compromise your principles. In a moment a tweet, video or other medium can send your statement viral. A reputation takes years to earn and milliseconds to burn.
7
Use humour in proportion to your skill, Better a short and heartfelt speech than one laced with tasteless jokes that fall flat.
8
Use your three points, or an ending, moral or exhortation (also known as a "call to action") to draw together the threads of what you have said. Return to acknowledge the audience, organisation, or key person/s at the event.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.} If you have contrasted your experience with that of the audience, allow yourself to come of "just-so" slightly worse, as this humility will endear you to your audience. You want to finish with a bang, not a whimper and sometimes speeches have a "natural stop point" even if this leaves some things unsaid.

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Community Q&A

Question

How can I come across as energetic?

Community Answer

Pretend you are speaking to your best friends about the best thing that could've possibly happened to you. Be passionate. If your speech is about something you are not passionate about, fake it. Body language is key. Use hand movements, move around, and smile.
Question

What can I do about fear on stage?

Donagan

Top Answerer

See Overcome Stage Fright .
Question

How do I elucidate my thesis without obfuscating my substance?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Use common words in short sentences.
Question

I'm going to present an impromptu speech in a competition, what should I do in the five minutes of preparing?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Search your memory for any experience you may have with the topic of the speech, even if it's only incidental. If you're allowed to speak with others, ask if they have any such experience.