Have you ever felt a speaker was talking directly to you, making a genuine connection, rather than just reading from a script? That’s the magic of extemporaneous speaking. It’s not just about fluency and eloquence; it’s about making your audience trust you because they see you speaking from the heart.
Unfortunately, many believe that preparing to speak this way takes weeks, thanks to outdated teaching methods. I used to think the same until I proved it wrong.
Now, as a professional speaker, I often prepare and deliver a speech in days, not weeks.
I’ll debunk the myths around extemporaneous speaking and share a simple strategy to prepare quickly and deliver a speech that connects with your audience.
What is extemporaneous speaking?
Extemporaneous speaking is giving a well-prepared speech as if you are conversing with the audience. You are not reading anything. And you don’t sound like a robot who memorized the speech word for word.
To do this, I often prepare key points ahead of time and then talk freely about those points. This style helps speakers sound natural and stay flexible, allowing them to adjust their words as they go. Yes, I still memorize some key points, but I don’t have to spend sleepless nights to deliver a 7-minute speech.
For leaders, speaking extemporaneously is very powerful. It builds trust because they can answer unexpected questions or tackle sudden topics without stumbling.
This shows they really know their stuff and aren’t just reading from a script. In today’s fast-moving world, this skill is especially important.
Leaders who speak extemporaneously can better connect with their audience. They can change their message on the spot to better fit the mood and needs of their listeners.
This not only shows confidence but also makes the audience feel more involved and valued.
Overcoming Fears and Misconceptions
Many people worry they’ll forget what to say or get stuck when speaking without notes. But with practice, these fears can fade away.
Speaking without notes lets you focus more on connecting with your audience, rather than just reading from a page.
Some think speaking without notes means memorizing every word. But that’s not true. You only need to understand your topic well to speak naturally.
You can still have key points in mind to guide you, without needing to remember every detail.
One big advantage of speaking extemporaneously is the ability to adapt on the spot. You’re not tied to a script, so you can respond to questions or changes in the moment.
This flexibility can make your speech more engaging and authentic.
Debunking the Four-Week Rule
Some courses say it takes four weeks to deliver an extemporaneous speech. This idea can be intimidating and discouraging.1
From my own experience, this isn’t true. I’ve seen many people learn to speak well from the heart in much less time. It’s more about the quality of practice than the length of time.
Don’t be put off by unrealistic timelines. With focus and the right techniques, you can start speaking naturally and confidently much sooner. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and that’s perfectly okay.
Extemporaneous Speech Crafting
I don’t stick to just one way of giving extemporaneous speeches. My methods come from a variety of experiences. I’ve learned a lot from being a seminarian, an activist, a debater, and now a professional speaker.
I’ve also practiced a lot of impromptu speaking, which many people confuse with extemporaneous speaking.
Mind Mapping
I use mind mapping to prepare my speeches. It’s not just for brainstorming; it helps me see all the different ways I can shape my speeches.
In my mind maps, I don’t write down everything I know. Instead, I focus on one main message and why it matters to my audience.
I often use specific speech patterns. These patterns guide me when I create my mind maps, helping me structure my thoughts.
My mind maps include story elements like characters, conflict, and resolutions. This makes the speech more engaging and relatable.
When giving informative speeches, mind mapping helps too. It shows me the best way to arrange my topic and what details to include or leave out.
I adjust my content based on who’s listening, how long I have to speak, and other important factors. This customization is clear in my mind maps.
In keynote speeches, I often divide the content into ‘old world’ versus ‘new world’ themes, which you can also see in my mind maps.2
Storytelling
I find that using stories in speeches really helps get the message across. It’s like giving the audience a mirror to see themselves in the story.
I always start with a character everyone can like, someone who’s facing a challenge. This character is basically standing in for the audience. It’s like saying, “Hey, this could be you!”
This character isn’t just dealing with problems; they’ve got dreams, too. But, like all of us, they hit snags. It sets the stage perfectly to talk about overcoming real-life obstacles.
The character tries some solutions, but something’s always missing. That’s where the big “AHA” moment comes in during the speech.
That AHA moment is where I show a new way out, something the audience might not have thought of. It’s like turning on a light bulb over their heads.
After that, I encourage everyone to take that insight and run with it. Using stories this way keeps me from having to memorize everything and really connects with the audience as I move through the speech.
Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins
A Series of Questions
When I prepare a speech, I think about the questions my audience already has in their minds. It’s like they’re curious about something, and I’m there to answer.
I start my speeches by stepping into an ongoing conversation. Imagine walking into a room where people are already talking about the topic. My job is to join in smoothly.
Think of a speech as a series of answers to their questions. For example, if you’re selling something, the audience might wonder what it is, how it helps them, and if it works.
Some questions I always prepare for include: What are you offering? What’s in it for me? Can you prove it works? How do I get it? Is there a guarantee? Why should I trust you?
Knowing these questions ahead of time means I’m never lost for words. It keeps the speech flowing and makes sure I’m covering what the audience wants to know.
This approach makes my speeches sound more like a conversation than a lecture. It’s more engaging and feels natural both for me and the audience.
An extemporaneous speech is like a projected conversation between people who share a common interest.
I use several techniques, but mind mapping, storytelling, and answering questions are three simple methods that both students and professionals can easily use to get better at speaking.
Impromptu vs Extemporaneous Speaking
Impromptu speaking and extemporaneous speaking are often confused, but they’re quite different. In impromptu speaking, you speak on the spot with little to no preparation. It’s also known as off-the-cuff speaking. Clearly, it’s not something you’ve planned or practiced in advance, though it might seem like it because it’s spontaneous.
Remember this key point: impromptu speaking is unprepared, while extemporaneous speaking involves preparation. You get time to organize your thoughts and plan your message with extemporaneous speaking, even though it looks natural.
However, not all prepared speeches are extemporaneous. Some are read from a script or memorized word for word. These can sound rehearsed and less genuine.
True extemporaneous speaking happens when you deliver a prepared speech so naturally, it seems like you’re speaking from the heart. This is the essence of sounding genuine and connecting deeply with your audience.
Discover these 12 ways to improve your public speaking skills.
Speak Like A Leader
Studying extemporaneous speaking can transform you from a manager into an inspiring leader. I’ve seen it happen! By improving your speaking skills, you can really motivate and connect with your team.
When you learn to speak extemporaneously, you prepare your thoughts but deliver them as if they’re coming straight from the heart. This makes your message more powerful and genuine.
If you’re looking to develop managers into leaders who can speak like this, I can help. By learning these skills, your managers can truly inspire their teams and drive success.
Interested? Let’s book a discovery session to explore how we can work together and boost your team’s speaking prowess. Just reach out, and we’ll start making changes that count.
- I encourage you to read the 10 public speaking secrets. ↩︎
- You may use mind mapping for training. ↩︎
