A reader recently sent me a question asking for some assistance regarding impromptu speeches. For many standing up and speaking in front of a group is a little disconcerting.
But also there is a whole lot of other baggage that comes with this. Are you able to sell the whole organization by your style and manner? Do you fit into their corporate image or is there too much dissonance? Ideally you have been into their workplace before. You have surfed extensively their website and when you present yourself at the impromptu speech it is in a style and way that is just as though you already work there. You fit in.
So for anyone who is a little bit nervous about giving an impromptu speech just remember - it is a life long skill that only gets better with time. The sooner you get started on this, the sooner more success will come to you and the sooner more doors will open. When you feel better about yourself people start looking at you differently.
You have a right to be heard so believe in yourself. Believe in yourself in the same way people who really love you, and know you, believe in you. They want you to succeed so remember them when you stand up. Visualize their spirit, image and love before your speech.
Remember anything that is a challenge is useful for us in the long term.
Useful Vocabulary
Disconcerting adj. disturbing, upsetting, off putting e.g. He had a disconcerting habit that saw him always put his finger up his nose and then into his mouth
'Shake at the knees' = to be nervous, e.g. When she came up to me and tried to kiss me I shook at the knees.
Out of this world = not realistic or based in reality, a bit far fetched, e.g. Listening to your reasoning makes me feel it is a bit too "out of this world" to really be a good idea.
'Adrenaline rush' = a shot of energy, adrenaline is the hormone that makes your heart beat faster, e.g. When I jumped out of the airplane and parachuted I experienced an amazing adrenaline rush.
Well – rounded adjective = to be balanced, complete, unified, no parts missing, e.g. She was a well- rounded character always happy and cheerful but also hardworking and very serious.
Baggage, noun = in this context baggage refers to the extra material that is brought to a situation, the wider context that needs to be appreciated, e.g. After serving in the war the soldier brought back a lot more baggage than just his green uniform, i.e. he was mentally disturbed, often violent etc.
Dissonance, noun = Lack of agreement, consistency, or harmony; conflict, e.g. When the two of them came together there was an obvious dissonance that was difficult to ignore.
