Learn how to use your experience with different audiences to improve your impromptu speaking skills. Discover tips on how to tailor, organize, practice, and learn from your speeches.

It is important to note that adapting to the audience is not in any way disingenuous. As long as we remain honest, we can tailor the content and language of our presentations to be most useful to the current listeners. The core messages in my presentations largely remain the same but the language, tone, level of interaction and seriousness depends on both the audience and the context of the talk. For example, some spaces and crowds naturally lend themselves for levity and humor to be appropriate, even with serious topics, while others may not.

I had to make a presentation to a group of students about the global financial crisis of 2007-2008. When I saw that I could not get the attention of the group, I changed the way of presenting and asked the question: Do you know how to make 4 bn USD in a year? Silence. Then I told my audience the story of John Paulson's hedge fund and his deals in Credit Default Swaps earning him personally nearly 4 bn USD in 2007. The story and my presentation were received with great enthusiasm.

How can you use your experience with different audiences to improve your impromptu speaking skills?

Impromptu speaking is the ability to deliver a speech without any preparation or notes. It can be a challenging skill to master, especially if you have to speak in front of different audiences with different expectations, backgrounds, and interests. However, you can use your experience with different audiences to improve your impromptu speaking skills by following these tips:

1 Know your audience

Before you speak, try to find out as much as you can about your audience. What are their goals, needs, and preferences? What are their common questions, concerns, or objections? How do they relate to your topic and your purpose? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your speech to their interests, level of understanding, and tone. It will also help you avoid topics that might be inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant.

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Istvan Lengyel
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I had to make a presentation to a group of students about the global financial crisis of 2007-2008. When I saw that I could not get the attention of the group, I changed the way of presenting and asked the question: Do you know how to make 4 bn USD in a year? Silence. Then I told my audience the story of John Paulson's hedge fund and his deals in Credit Default Swaps earning him personally nearly 4 bn USD in 2007. The story and my presentation were received with great enthusiasm.

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Joanne Hayward 🇬🇧

Empower Your Career: Master Business English for Non-Native English Speaking Professionals / Founder of Fletcher Business English / Mum of Twins & Furry Friends.
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In this international world, also remember to take notice of the common language. If everyone is communicating in English, please ensure that you are aware of any non-native speakers and what level they are. This way, you can carefully take note of their expression, particularly looking for signs of confusion. You can then use this as an opportunity to reiterate the point again, in a slightly different way, to ensure full clarity by all.

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2 Adapt your style

Depending on your audience, you may need to adjust your style of speaking. For example, if you are speaking to a formal or professional audience, you may want to use more formal language, avoid slang or jargon, and cite credible sources. If you are speaking to a casual or friendly audience, you may want to use more conversational language, add humor or anecdotes, and engage with them directly. Adapting your style will help you connect with your audience and establish rapport.

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Christopher Poulos

Executive Director at Center for Justice and Human Dignity
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It is important to note that adapting to the audience is not in any way disingenuous. As long as we remain honest, we can tailor the content and language of our presentations to be most useful to the current listeners. The core messages in my presentations largely remain the same but the language, tone, level of interaction and seriousness depends on both the audience and the context of the talk. For example, some spaces and crowds naturally lend themselves for levity and humor to be appropriate, even with serious topics, while others may not.

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Marge Kilkelly

Politician, Farmer, Rural Advocate, Policy Wonk.
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Providing an opportunity for questions and audience participation keeps them engaged and can provide you with insights into their interests or understandingof the topic. As others have said, know the audience.

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Jim DeMichele

Account Manager/Media Consultant/Digital Sales Specialist @Hibu.com
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Know your audience and what they want and can relate to..period! If you keep them engaged as well, you will keep their interest and attention

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3 Use a simple structure

One of the easiest ways to organize your impromptu speech is to use a simple structure, such as the problem-solution, the cause-effect, or the pro-con. These structures will help you present your main points clearly and logically, and avoid rambling or repeating yourself. They will also help your audience follow your speech and remember your key messages. To use a simple structure, start with an introduction that states your topic and purpose, then move on to the body that explains your points, and end with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and calls for action or feedback.

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Joanne Hayward 🇬🇧

Empower Your Career: Master Business English for Non-Native English Speaking Professionals / Founder of Fletcher Business English / Mum of Twins & Furry Friends.
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You can practice making impromptu speeches with friends. Randomly select ANY subject and then take it in turns to create a speech. Public speaking, either impromptu or fully prepared, is a skill that can be developed and improved!

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4 Practice frequently

The best way to improve your impromptu speaking skills is to practice frequently. You can practice by giving impromptu speeches on various topics, such as current events, personal experiences, or hypothetical scenarios. You can also practice by answering questions from your audience, such as during a Q&A session, a panel discussion, or a feedback session. Practicing frequently will help you build your confidence, fluency, and creativity. It will also help you learn from your mistakes and feedback, and improve your delivery and content.

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5 Learn from others

Another way to improve your impromptu speaking skills is to learn from others. You can learn from others by watching and listening to other speakers, such as TEDx speakers, podcast hosts, or professional speakers. You can also learn from others by joining a public speaking club, such as Toastmasters, where you can receive constructive feedback and support from other members. Learning from others will help you discover new techniques, strategies, and ideas for impromptu speaking. It will also help you expand your knowledge and perspective on various topics.

Impromptu speaking is a valuable skill that can help you communicate effectively in any situation. By using your experience with different audiences, you can improve your impromptu speaking skills and deliver engaging and persuasive speeches.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use your experience with different audiences to improve your impromptu speaking skills?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your audience

2 Adapt your style

3 Use a simple structure

4 Practice frequently

5 Learn from others

6 Here’s what else to consider

Public Speaking

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How can you use your experience with different audiences to improve your impromptu speaking skills?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your audience

2 Adapt your style

3 Use a simple structure

4 Practice frequently

5 Learn from others

6 Here’s what else to consider

Public Speaking

Rate this article

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