Back in Jan 2022, when I first joined Toastmasters club...
The most difficult part of attending club meetings used to be the impromptu speaking.
I'm not gonna lie to you Reader, it used to scare the hell out of me.
You know...
The kind when you're put on spot and have to speak on your feet...
without having enough time to think, gather, and organize your thoughts.
Most people struggle even with prepared presentations/ talks and if you add an extra layer of difficulty with NOT having enough time to think what to say and not knowing how to say it...
You see how quickly it can become a "nightmare" for someone already struggling with speaking nerves...
This is exactly what happened to me back in 2019 at a social event...
When I was asked a simple question and put on spot during an interview to the media team from our university and it became my worst nightmare.
In hindsight...
I'm grateful for it as I got this realization and a burning desire to fight my fears/ anxieties once and for all and gain the speaking confidence I always desired.
Heck... that interview is the reason you're reading this very newsletter today 😃
But you get the idea... Why impromptu speaking can be challenging for most.
Having said that...
What if I told you there's a simple hack & framework to facing this challenge head on?
Yes, I'm gonna reveal the 4-step formula that anyone can learn and master with minimal guidance:
It's commonly known as the PREP method.
(Let's dissect each letter in PREP)
P: Point
You start by making a clear and concise point you want to convey... like a statement. For example:
"Public speaking is like a muscle that must be trained regularly"
R: Reason
Then you give the reason why the point you're trying to make is important or relevant.
Here you give further evidence in support of your main point. Continuing with the previous example...
"Because in order to gain physical strength, you need to do exercise at the gym a few times a week. Not just once in a while and expect to see six-packs one day. Similarly, public speaking is like a muscle that must be trained every week in order to get comfortable and gain mastery"
E: Example
here you can give a relatable real-life example or tell a relevant mini story that illustrates and backs up your main point...
"When growing up... I used to not speak in public at all and I always felt this hesitation and resistance whenever I had to speak on my feet. But once I made a habit of speaking publicly every week, now I feel it's getting easier when asked to speak impromptu."
P: Point
Here's when you'll conclude by reemphasizing the main point...
"So... I firmly believe public speaking is a muscle like our physical muscles and must be trained regularly"
...
Now Reader,
I know what you might be thinking...
Who would remember this framework when put on spot, right?
I hear you... I had the same question.
So, I am thinking of hosting an online 60-minutes workshop—exclusive to this community as a gift—to practice PREP method and reveal more ways to handle impromptu speaking situations.
If I get enough interest, I will announce the online workshop in the coming weeks and...
You'll get hands-on experience to practice PREP and other frameworks, so you'll know how to use them when it's time.
>> Reply to this email "Impromptu" to record your response <<
-Waqas
​
P.S.-- Reply "PDF" and I will send you a compact guide on PREP method that you can keep handy for future use.
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