Impromptu SPEAKING

In many Asian and Pacific countries, it is a common practice to invite a visitor to give an address to a large meeting without any warning.

          Often at a business meeting, or at a social meeting, you can suddenly be asked for an opinion, say a few words, or to propose a toast.

Five of the best tips when you are asked to make an unexpected speech

* Just in case

          Prior to an event imagine you just might be asked to speak. What would you say if asked to speak? Prepare a few imaginary topics.

          Preparation is the key to impromptu speaking. Even a few notes jotted on the back of an envelope can be better than nothing.

* Praise the event, the organiser and the country 

          As a guest in an overseas country it is wise only to say good things about the country.

          As a guest at any social event, be kind and careful with what you say.  

* At a business meeting

          Try giving to give the pros, cons and recommendations of situations.   

          Experiences, feelings and anecdotes are always popular and are worth considering.      

* In overseas countries

          Forget the jokes, use simple English and speak slowly.

          Jokes and gestures may have different meanings in different countries so take care.

          Conform to local customs. Seek advice as to the local dress code and to local traditions and try to follow them.

* Read widely, question and fill up your memory bank

           A story well told and acted out in the form of an anecdote is well received.

Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Be brief, sincere, enthusiastic and seated.”

Source: “Persuasive Ways. ‘Tricks of the trade’ to get your ideas across”. First published by  Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House, the Singapore Institute of Management, Kogan Page Ltd, U.K and Hungarian by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado.  Also published as the “Secrets of Persuasion” by Thomson and Cengage Learning Asia and as an e-book and sold by Amazon.com.