At OMG Biz Café, everybody gets to speak up and participate in the impromptu speaking task known as table topics. This part of the meeting, which is one of the three components of a regular Toastmasters meeting, fills some members with fear. Just remember that fear is "false evidence appearing real." Others come to the meeting specifically to engage in impromptu speaking, which happens everywhere—from chatting at the water cooler to answering unexpected questions from the boss.
Here are some pieces of advice on how to face impromptu speaking:
1. **Don’t forget to smile**: It will make you feel good, more confident, and relaxed, which also pleases the audience.
2. **Remember the word of the day**: If appropriate, use it in your first sentence. If you postpone it, you may forget to use it at all. Getting that first sentence out provides momentum to keep going.
3. **If your mind is blank, ask for repetition**: This gives you a moment to think of an answer or at least an opening line, making you appear careful and precise.
4. **If you have nothing to say, then say nothing**: A dramatic pause can be effective. It allows your audience to digest what you've already said, and it's better to be silent than to fumble for words.
5. **Greet your audience for extra time**: For instance, saying "Mr. Toastmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and most welcome guests" can buy you a few seconds to think.
6. **Emergency techniques**: If you're in a bind, consider answering a previous topic, discussing how hard it is to talk about the current topic, telling a related story, or sharing a clean joke if you have one. Talk about something important that you want to convey to the group.
7. **Don’t fear the audience**: Unlike most audiences, every member of a Toastmasters club has been a speaker at some point and expects to be again. This is one of the most receptive audiences you can find, and any feedback will be constructive.
### The Importance of Impromptu Speaking
1. **Critical Thinking**: Impromptu speaking requires you to think on your feet and articulate your thoughts quickly, sharpening your critical thinking skills.
2. **Adaptability**: This skill helps you respond effectively and adjust your message to the audience, which is crucial in business and everyday scenarios.
3. **Confidence Building**: Regular practice in impromptu speaking builds confidence. The more you face these situations, the more comfortable you will become.
4. **Enhanced Listening Skills**: Effective responses depend on careful listening, improving your overall communication and engagement in conversations.
### Additional Strategies for Success
1. **Practice Active Listening**: Observe how others respond to table topics and consider incorporating their techniques into your own speaking style.
2. **Use Structure**: Employing a simple structure like the "PREP" method (Point, Reason, Example, Point) can help organize your thoughts and deliver a clear response.
3. **Stay Relevant**: Ensure personal stories relate to the topic to keep your audience engaged and your message impactful.
4. **Be Authentic**: Speak from your own experiences; authenticity resonates and makes your message more compelling.
5. **Visualize Success**: Before speaking, visualize yourself engaging and speaking confidently to calm nerves.
6. **Seek Feedback**: After your turn, ask for feedback from fellow members to gain insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.
7. **Reflect on Your Experience**: Take a moment after the meeting to reflect on what went well and what you can improve for next time.
By embracing these strategies and the challenge of impromptu speaking, you’ll enhance your communication skills, build confidence, and connect more effectively with your audience at OMG Biz Café. Enjoy the experience and the opportunity for growth!
