The STRESS INTERVIEW is not the only place where we experience fear. Life has its own surprises and tests for us ... whether it be at an interview, speaking to an irate customer, a nasty boss, or an angry spouse.... and the list goes on...

Speaking in Public is considered the world’s biggest fear (According to the Book of Lists). Then speaking in public.... without preparation... is surely an even bigger challenge. Luckily, all challenges can be overcome with the right approach, and the learning how to overcome the challenge could even become a skill - with effective practice/training.

1. The only way to overcome fear is to face it. Running away from our fears will enable us to “live to fight another day”. But what will we do when we cannot run? At a board meeting, or an interview, we are forced to stay put, and answer.... and then we face the panic response... which is also referred to as the FIGHT-FLIGHT-FRIGHT response. Here we can FIGHT.... if we know how.... but we cannot take off (flight) .... and the only response that most people have is FRIGHT... or FREEZE. The brain tends to pack up, and we are left staring blankly ... not knowing where we are or what we are doing.

Lets not face that situation again. Lets learn to speak impromptu.


2. What is impromptu speaking, and how will this help us overcome fear of Public Speaking? Toastmasters has an given us an extremely wonderful tool to overcome the world’s #1 Fear. Participating in TABLE TOPICS sessions helps us to get the brain to function even under pressure. Here are some of the tips and tricks that will help you master the art of speaking without preparation (impromptu). Impromptu means made or done without previous preparation. This is different from a prepared speech were we have time to list our arguments and present them with back up information and validations.


3. We have within us the ability to sift through the vast databank within us... called memory, and come up with an answer that is laudable, and appropriate. The search function operates only if we are cool and calm, and it stops functioning when we are stressed. It is almost like entering a password under pressure. We know the password, but under pressure, we type the wrong letters, and the system responds with “access denied”. If we cannot retrieve required information, it is as good as not having it. Practice does make perfect. Cycling, Swimming also terrified us until we decided to learn the sport. Make winning at Public Speaking a habit, and take up each and every opportunity that you will get to speak up and master an art form that will enhance your personal and professional appeal.


4. The next point to consider is the content portion of your speech. Here you could use a few templates that will help you to structure your speeches without having to struggle with searching for appropriate data.


• YTT or Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (Past, Present, Future)
• Qs? Ask yourself two or three questions, give the answers, and wow your audience. For example you could say.... What does this topic mean? This topic means... (fill in the blanks)
• Cause and Effect, or Problem/solution
• Perspectives (looking at things from different points of view)
• The 3 Things.... (this is one of the most exciting approaches)
• Pros and Cons... and conclusion

Impromptu speaking is an art form that will be your forte, only if you work consistently on it. Do take up speaking slots at every meeting that you attend. Soon you will be the master at speaking impromptu ..... anywhere.

Ian Faria.