7 Tips for Extemporaneous Public Speaking

Extemporaneous Speaking: Preparation and Delivery

Key Concepts:

• Extemporaneous Speaking: A carefully prepared and rehearsed speech presented from a brief set of notes.
• Chronological Order: Organizing main points in a time-based sequence.
• Topical Order: Organizing main points by natural subtopics.
• Problem-Solution-Benefit: Organizing main points by identifying a problem, proposing a solution, and highlighting the benefits of that solution.
• Supporting Materials/Evidence: Stories, examples, quotations, statistics, facts, and research used to support main points.
• Preparation Outline: A detailed outline containing all potential speech content, used during the preparation phase.
• Speaking Notes: A slimmed-down version of the preparation outline, containing only keywords and phrases, used during delivery.
• 3 x 3 + 1 Method: A practice method involving practicing three times a day for three days, reducing notes each day, and a final practice on the day of the speech.

1. Structuring Your Speech

• The body of the speech should be organized around three main points.
• Common organizational patterns for main points:
  • Chronological: Suitable for how-to speeches or processes (e.g., first, second, third; before, during, after).
  • Topical: Organizes by natural subtopics (e.g., physical, psychological, and emotional benefits of exercise).
  • Problem-Solution-Benefit: Used in persuasive speeches, outlining a problem, proposing a solution, and detailing the benefits of the solution.
• Choosing the right order makes the presentation feel like a story.
• Developing the main points first makes it easier to determine the overall thesis or central idea.

2. Using Supporting Materials

• Supporting materials (evidence) constitute 95% of the speech content. The remaining 5% involves structural elements like previews, signposts, transitions, and summaries.
• Appeal to both the listeners' minds (rational side) and hearts (emotional side).
• Mind (Rational): Facts, statistics, hard research, fact-based quotations.
• Heart (Emotional): Stories, personal examples, philosophical or vivid quotations.
• Balance between rational and emotional content throughout the speech to maintain audience engagement.

3. Creating a Preparation Outline

• Create a detailed preparation outline with all potential information.
• Do not write a word-for-word script.
• Structure the outline with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, with main points within each section.
• Use bullets or Roman numerals to organize information.
• The preparation outline is a starting point for practice, and content will likely be removed to fit time constraints.

4. Practicing Your Speech (3 x 3 + 1 Method)

• Practice in a conversational way from the outline.
• 3 Days in Advance: Mumble through the entire preparation outline three times daily to learn the material and its order. Avoid memorization.
• 2 Days in Advance: Cut the preparation outline in half, keeping only keywords and phrases. Practice standing up and delivering the message three times daily, focusing on spontaneity and eye contact.
• Day Before: Cut the notes in half again. Conduct three dress rehearsals, focusing on gestures, eye contact, vocal emphasis, and pace.
• Day Of: One final practice run.
• The goal is to reach a point where you are comfortable with the content and can focus on connecting with the audience.

5. Creating Speaking Notes

• Create a slimmed-down version of the preparation outline for use during the presentation.
• Speaking notes should only include keywords, short phrases, and bullet points.
• Example: A four-page preparation outline might become four note cards with no more than 10 words each.
• Each note card should cover approximately one to two minutes of the speech.
• Speaking notes serve as a safety net or map, allowing for quick reference if needed.

6. Separating Visual Aids from Speaking Notes

• Do not use visual aids (slides) as speaking notes.
• The "One Slide Challenge" involves using a single slide with a background image and three bullet points outlining the body of the presentation.
• Speaking notes are for the speaker, allowing them to face the audience 100% of the time.
• Slides are for the audience to view.

7. Engaging Your Listeners

• Think of extemporaneous speaking as a structured, expressive conversation.
• Focus on expressive delivery: eye contact, gestures, vocal emphasis.
• Speak at a strong, confident volume and pause after key ideas.
• Trust your preparation and embrace the freedom to connect with listeners in a conversational way.
• It is normal to leave out or skip some items to finish on time.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Extemporaneous speaking is a highly adaptable and preferred method of speech delivery. Effective preparation involves structuring the speech logically, using supporting materials that appeal to both reason and emotion, creating a detailed preparation outline, practicing using the 3 x 3 + 1 method, and developing concise speaking notes. Separating visual aids from speaking notes and focusing on engaging the audience in a conversational manner are crucial for a successful extemporaneous presentation. The key is to be well-prepared but flexible, allowing for a natural and engaging delivery.