In a recent job interview, my 21-year-old son was asked to describe a time he had to think “outside the box” in an everyday situation. He said he would need a minute to think. He came up with a work-related example that was not very radical and only partly his idea. It was to do with their pricing strategy, and he admitted it was mainly his boss’s idea. He thought that the interview had gone quite well but was worried about his answer to that question.
He got the job, and I am guessing that his response to that question was fine. They were probably looking at how he acted under pressure rather than what he said. Asking for a minute to think was a good strategy. It showed that he didn’t panic. And he came up with an answer even if it wasn’t a brilliant one.
You can improve your impromptu speaking skills
Toastmasters clubs train people in public speaking through an exercise known as Table Topics®. The Toastmasters International website says, “Table Topics® is a long-standing Toastmasters tradition intended to help members develop their ability to organize their thoughts quickly and respond to an impromptu question or topic.”
You might be asked a random question like, “Who was your first childhood friend?”; “Tell us about a memorable dining experience.”; or, “Should we ban plastic water bottles?” Your challenge is to deliver a one to two-minute mini-speech on that topic.
Try these strategies
It takes time to get good at impromptu speaking but here are some strategies you can use:
- Tell a story. If I talked about my first childhood friend, I would say that I loved staying the night at Jean’s place because her father played practical jokes on us. One time he hid my clothes in the freezer. But first, he told me they were in the neighbour’s letterbox, and I snuck over there in my pyjamas to look for them! This answer would be much more engaging than talking about how my relationship with her was complicated.
- Use the power of three. If asked for my view on something like banning plastic water bottles, I could state my opinion clearly and back it up with three reasons.
- Use questions such as “who, what, when, why, how, what” when talking about experiences. To answer a question about my most memorable dining experience I could talk about meeting my husband-to-be, Matt (who) for the first time at a restaurant in Mt Eden, Auckland (where). We were celebrating a mutual friend’s birthday (why), and I spilt a glass of red wine on the tablecloth in front of Matt (what). Someone suggested that he move seats, but he was enjoying the conversation, so he stayed!
Impromptu speaking is not my greatest strength. Even after more than ten years as a Toastmaster, I would describe my performance as “adequate”. Occasionally I have a brilliant answer, but most of my responses are average. But I no longer feel terrified, and I can always find something to say. Now, if I answer a question poorly, I don’t dwell on it. There is always next time!
Also, knowing that I can answer weird and whacky questions gives me confidence that I can answer questions more likely to be thrown at me in a work situation.
Unexpected benefits
When I started coaching, I did not include impromptu speaking exercises. I had a theory that some people avoid public speaking courses because impromptu speaking terrifies them. I reasoned that it was better to get them to a public speaking course than not. But I found that many groups wanted to try it out – especially after they got to know each other!
Fear-less courses now offer a low-key version of impromptu speaking and there have been some unexpected benefits. It forces people to stand up without notes. It introduces a bit of humour which helps relax people. When I work with young people, I use a made-up story exercise. Young people respond to this better than many adults because they don’t mind being ridiculous. The stories can get very silly, but the students have a lot of fun.
It also plays to some people’s strengths. I had one course participant who struggled with prepared speeches because he didn’t trust himself to remember. Then he did an impromptu speech about his morning routine, and it was hilarious. I realized that he had a great sense of humour and encouraged him to use this to his advantage in other exercises.
How to practice impromptu speaking
If you don’t want to join Toastmasters or take a course, you can still practice impromptu speaking.
Here are three ideas:
- Write yourself 50 topics (just google Table Topics® for suggestions) and pull out one question a day to answer. Pick a strategy such as one of the three I have suggested. Make sure you have an opening, main body and conclusion. Video yourself to learn how you could do better. Watching the video will help you to pick up excessive filler words and distracting habits.
- Treat everyday interactions as opportunities to practice. A Toastmaster colleague explained to me that even when he is ordering takeaways, he tries to be clear, concise and eliminate filler words. For example, instead of saying, “Hi, um, I think I’ll have the butter chicken. Oh, and ah I’ll have some roti bread too please.” he will say, “Hello. I will have the butter chicken and an order of roti bread please.”
- Be prepared! This might sound like an oxymoron, but good preparation can make you sound like you think well on your feet.
I used to wing job interviews (sometimes it worked but usually not!) until I realized that more than half the questions were predictable and I could practice model answers aloud. “Tell us what interests you in this job.” “Why are you the right person for this job.” Or, “tell us about a time that you had to manage conflict in the workplace.” These are typical questions that you could be asked in any job interview.
Even if the question takes a slightly different form, it is easier to modify an answer you have prepared than to make up something. Having an elevator pitch is also a smart idea for business owners. The person you are responding to does not know that you have said the same thing many times before.
“It usually takes me three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”
Mark Twain
Don’t just assume that you are no good at “thinking on your feet”. While a few people are born with the “gift of the gab”, anyone can get better with practice.
Article written by Catherine Syme. Updated and substantially revised August 2020
Can’t attend a course? I specialize in helping people with extreme public speaking anxiety. Find out how private one-on-one coaching could help you.
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