This document provides tips for giving effective impromptu speeches. It recommends preparing a few quotes that can be used in any situation, choosing 2-3 main ideas or points to focus on, and beginning the speech strongly with a topic statement or question. The document also suggests including at least one story or example to engage the audience, and recapping the main points at the end of the speech. If getting stuck, the "magic phrase" of "for example" can be used to continue speaking. Preparing these elements ahead of time allows for an impromptu speech that is still organized and impactful.

1. Impromptu
Speeches
~ All good speeches, even short and
scantily-prepared ones, derive power
and effectiveness through some of
the same techniques.
This material is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States LicenseThis material is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States
License. Contact: Phil Venditti (253.589.5595) / phil.venditti@cptc.edu

2. *Remember*
• It’s
always fine to
tell ‘em what
you’re going to
tell ‘em, tell ‘em,
and tell ‘em what
you told ‘em.

3. Here are some ITEMS which can
help you make good impromptu
speeches:
1. Prepared Quotes
2. Main Ideas/Points
3. Strong First Words
4. Stories
5. The “Magic Phrase”
6. Recap

4. 1. Quotes:
• Ahead
of time,
MEMORIZE A
FEW
QUOTATIONS
that you can use
in almost any
situation.
• “The
early bird gets
the worm.”
• “Every dog has its
day.”
• “What goes around,
comes around.”

5. 2. CHOOSE some Main Ideas/
Points
•
•
•
Think of 2-3 main ideas
as you stand up
Slowly scan the room
Take a deep, relaxed
breath before you begin
speaking

6. 2. Write down your Main
Points
•
If you have the
facilities, write your
main ideas/points on
the whiteboard to help
you and your audience
keep them in mind.

7. 3. Begin with a strong
utterance—e.g.,
•
•
Repeat the topic as a
statement: e.g., “Paper
Airplanes…”
Ask a question about the
topic: “What do I think
about paper airplanes?”

8. 3. Other possible first
words
•
•
Your intention for the
speech: “I’m going to tell
you about paper
airplanes”
One of your all-purpose
memorized quotations

9. 4. Try to use at least one
example or story
•
•
Using these elements gives
you something to “latch
onto”
It also helps establish your
personality, bonds you with
your audience, and lends
vitality to your comments

10. 5. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS…
•
If you reach a dead end,
use the “Magic
Phrase”:
“For example…”

11. 6. RECAP YOUR 2-3 MAIN
POINTS:
• Recap
your 2-3 main points when
you’ve finished with them:
E.g., “Paper airplanes are fun, easy to
make, and educational.”
N.B.: Handy transitions to lead into the recap include
“so…,” “to wrap it up, then,” “therefore,” “as you can
see,” etc.

12. Impromptu
Speeches
So—
Now you’ve learned some tips on giving a
GREAT impromptu speech!
This material is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States LicenseThis material is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States
License. Contact: Phil Venditti (253.589.5595) / phil.venditti@cptc.edu