Becoming a Better Speaker!

Have you ever been tongue-tied in a situation? Perhaps during a casual conversation with your friends, a telephone chat or even maybe in class when the teacher has asked you a question? With practice, anyone can develop the skills to combat an impromptu speaking situation.

Preparation is the key to sailing through awkward conversations, especially when you have so much to say but don’t know how to say it correctly and confidently.

The first step to speaking effectively is 'Listening' attentively!  People are more likely to respect and listen to your ideas, only after you have listened to theirs. Focusing on what someone is saying allows you to reinforce what they have said, particularly if you agree with them. Many times, we are so eager to reply in a conversation that we fail to listen; ultimately leading to miscommunication.

Pause before you speak. This will help you to gather your thoughts and respond aptly. ‘Um .. you know ..’ are the type of filler words that you can avoid if you use a silent pause.

As a lecturer, I’ve noticed that good communicators in my classroom always repeat my question out loud. This allows for any clarification that the student may have regarding the topic of discussion and also helps them buy time to think straight and reply suitably. These students are enthusiastic, smile and maintain eye contact while speaking. They are clear and concise in their responses. What sets them apart from the other communicators is the basic point they make with an impactful conclusion. No room to beat around the bush. 

There are three popular techniques that are used in impromptu speaking. You can apply it to any conversation, job interview or question. Students can practice with questions like, ‘Tell me something about yourself’, ‘Why would you like to join the hospitality industry’ or ‘What do you like to do in your free time?’

The first technique is to put the question in a time frame – past, present, future. For a question like ‘Tell me something about yourself’, the student can discuss his/her school academics and extracurricular activities, present interests and pursuits in college and what the student aims to achieve in his/her career path.

The second technique is 'Cause and Effect'. For a question like ‘Why would you like to join the Hospitality industry', the student can discuss how the increasing scope of leisure and business travelers can only be met by providing impeccable service. Customer interactions are enjoyable and allow oneself to develop both professionally and personally whilst working in a multicultural environment.

'OREO' is the third technique that is used for impromptu speaking. Opinion – Reason – Example – Opinion is the full form of OREO. For a question like ‘What do you like to do in your free time’, the student can say what they feel about the topic (Opinion), why they feel so (Reason), one or two examples (Example) and conclude the topic (opinion). For example, I love to work out in my free time (opinion) because it gets my blood pumping and revitalizes my spirit (reason). In addition to running, I have recently joined a yoga class that has helped me both physically and mentally (example). Exercising makes me look and feel better about myself adding to my overall confidence (opinion).

Be genuine in your communication. Admitting to not knowing an answer to a question is better than giving a wrong or an absurd one.

Impromptu speaking is an excellent skill that needs time and effort. Practice, practice practice!

About the author

Nelissa Alcasoas was a former toastmaster at the Ana Fonte Toastmasters Club.  She is the Asst. Prof. Management at V.M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education. Also teaches Presentation and Interview facing Skills and enjoys reading and writing articles

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha