Do you ever find yourself in the position to “say a few words” about yourself, or your business/association… and you get tongue tied?

Would you like a checklist on how to sound confident and comfortable in these potential landmine moments?

Reach no further than watching a few acceptance speeches on the 2021 Emmy Awards Show.

The Emmy Awards Acceptance Speeches – the ebullient, memorable and bumbling

You may get caught by surprise when a mic shows up pointing straight at your face. Understandable.

How can these show business celebs be surprised when they’ve been nominated and one of them WILL be getting a trophy??? Mind boggling.

Even considering the emotional rush of adrenaline, these folks should know better. Many used notes that were crumpled, upside down, and two pages 🙄. Others mumbled. A few spoke brilliantly.

Your Impromptu Speech Checklist

Heed the advice of Mark Twain who said, “It takes me about 2 weeks to prepare for a good impromptu speech!”

• Think about what questions others might ask you, so that you have some ready responses in your head.
• Practice your reply to this question: “We’re going to go around the table. Please share a short introduction.” Been there? Think Mark Twain and prepare ahead.
• Use the Pros/Cons template to organize your thoughts. Can you itemize your response by sharing the advantages and disadvantages?
• Respond temporally. Can you describe your topic using Past, Present and Future categories?
• Think about your conversation from various Points of View. Example: What does your marketing department think, your research team, your supply chain group?

You’re a leader. You can outdo these paid actors on giving impromptu comments! Better yet – call us!

For this blog’s inspiration I thank a recent prospect who wants to hone his skills on speaking extemporaneously. And, thanks go to our Emmy Award Winners for showing us good to horrible acceptance speeches.

Author: Karen Cortell Reisman is Founder of Speak For Yourself® , a communication consulting firm, and the author of 2 books on how to communicate. She lives in Dallas, Texas and embraces her addiction to the Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes and Tony Award Shows.

© 2021 Karen Cortell Reisman, All rights reserved

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