How to Speak Extemporaneously

When you speak, formally or informally, you want to sound “extemporaneous”- spoken without preparation.

BUT you are prepared.

Here are your Three Speak For Yourself® rules on how to appear unprepared but prepared!

Extemporaneous Speaking Tip #1: Do not memorize. But, do know what your purpose is, whom you are talking to (who is your audience and what makes them tick), and what your value proposition is (how can you differentiate you, your service, and your product?)

Extemporaneous Speaking Tip #2: Know your three main points/reasons/choices/categories/negotiating arguments/themes.

Extemporaneous Speaking Tip #3: Know your “call for action”. What do you want your buyer, Board of Directors, investor, or team to do or feel or think as a result of your conversation?

A recent client, a successful real estate developer, worked with me on clarifying his message to all of the above: his prospects, investors and team. He said, “Karen, I do not want to sound scripted. I want to be in the moment with my audience.”

He’s smart. You don’t want to sound like a script. We won’t listen to you or buy from you or want to create a relationship with you if you speak like you’re on automatic pilot. Ummm, when was the last time you listened to the flight attendant tell you anything? An aggravated listener stops hearing you.

But you can’t be completely unprepared either. A confused listener will also stop hearing you. Follow these three rules and you will speak extemporaneously.

Karen Cortell Reisman, M.S., author of 3 books and President of Speak For Yourself®, works with organizations on how to communicate to make more money. It’s all in how you speak for yourself. Read more at www.SpeakForYourself.com/blog/