How do you guys make impromptu speeches/talks?

LesOs
Mon, 18 Jun 2007 21:49:09 +0000

Just talk more in non-speech environments. Meaning… with your friends. Listen to yourself talk, and think about whether or not you sound coherent, if you say ‘like’ or ‘um’ too many times (or at all, hee hee), and also pay attention to the language that you use.

I like to talk a LOT. So, I have no problems just standing up and talking and making good points. We were supposed to write election speeches for NHS. I pulled an all-nighter (or, practically one… I got about 45 minutes of sleep thanks to the four times that I accidentally fell asleep), and didn’t have time to do so. So, I just got up and BSed it, making sure to draw upon specific examples instead of just saying, “Um, I’m responsible, and I’m dedicated. Choose me.” It looked like I had memorized my speech (unlike the other candidates who had their speeches with them), and I ended up winning. Of course, this story makes me seem like a complete jerk, but there’s a point:

When in doubt, draw upon specific examples that will separate your argument from the rest.

Also, it’s better to say stupid, cliched things (like the ones that I mentioned about) than to suddenly stop talking because you’ve drawn a blank. Usually, just keep talking about the subject, and you’ll be fine =)