impromptu
(adjective)
Improvised; without prior preparation.
Examples of impromptu in the following topics:
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Key Differences Between Prepared and Impromptu Speeches
- The key difference between a prepared and impromptu speech is the amount of time given to the speaker to rehearse and prepare.
- Another type of speech that is less commonly seen in society (but nonetheless very useful to understand) is the impromptu speech.
- While this seems like a difficult style in which to give a speech, most speech in a person's daily life is impromptu.
- The most common example of a real world impromptu speech is the elevator pitch.
- Visual aids and slides could be part of a prepared speech, but not an impromptu speech.
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Impromptu Speeches
- An impromptu speech is given with little or no preparation, usually about a topic that the speaker knows well.
- An impromptu speech is given with little or no preparation, yet almost always with some advance knowledge on the topic.
- For example, if called on to speak in class, a student might give a short impromptu speech about a topic that was in the assigned readings.
- Additionally, impromptu speaking is rarely appropriate for occasions which require more reasoned discourse with supporting ideas or more formal events.
- List ways to quickly prepare when called upon to give an impromptu speech
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Additional Notes on Preparing and Delivering Impromptu Speeches
- An impromptu speech is given with little or no preparation, but the presenter is usually very knowledgeable about the subject matter.
- An impromptu speech is given with little or no preparation.
- Impromptu speeches can take many different forms and occur in different situations.
- There are ways to prepare and deliver impromptu speeches by anticipating the more common impromptu contexts.
- In certain situations you can anticipate the types of questions or requests which will require a seemingly impromptu response.
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Choosing Your Method of Delivery
- There are four common methods of delivery--impromptu with little or no preparation, memorization, reading from prepared manuscript, and extemporaneous with outline or notes.
- For an impromptu speech, you may have a minute or two to prepare in your mind before you speak.
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Research Tips: Start Early, Use a Bibliography, and Evaluate Material Critically
- Mark Twain once said, "It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech. " If it took that long for Mark Twain, one of the most eloquent speakers in American history, to write a "good impromptu speech," students of public speaking should take note and get a nice, early start on the research process.