People usually prepare for important speeches by writing notes and practicing. Sometimes, we don’t have time to prepare for a speech. If we don’t prepare for a speech, it is an impromptu speech. Impromptu speeches are usually opinions. For example, maybe your boss asks you to explain why you like a new product. Use the rules below to speak clearly and successfully.
1. Say your main idea first. The main idea is your opinion about the topic.
- I like the iPhone 5.
- English is more difficult than Spanish.
- The new season of Supernatural is good, but I like the old one better.
- Making scrambled eggs is easy.
2. Next, give reasons for your opinion. For each reason, give an example.
- First, the iPhone has many improved features. The iPhone 5 is lighter. It weighs less than all other phones on the market. Also, the screen is bigger—it is now four inches. Finally, it has a “Lightening Connector” which is a feature that helps connect the phone to data faster…
- First, English pronunciation is much more difficult than Spanish pronunciation. For example, in English, there are many different ways to pronounce vowels, like “a.” In Spanish, vowels are usually pronounced just one way. Also, English has more vocabulary words than Spanish. English is famous for having more vocabulary words than nearly any other language…
3. When you are finished, repeat your main idea. This is a sign for your listener that you are finished.
- So, that’s why I like the iPhone 5.
- As you can see, Spanish is a lot easier than English.
3-1 Impromptu Speeches: Exercise
Teacher's Note
Ask each student to choose a number between 1 and 35. Give students one of these topics/opinions below (or make up some of your own). Have them give a brief speech explaining their reasons. If everyone finishes quickly, have a second and even third round.
- My biggest worry about the future is...
- Money is more important than love.
- Love is more important than money.
- If I were an animal I would be a...
- Mistakes are important.
- The world is better today than it was in the past.
- The world is worse today than it was in the past.
- When I grow up...
- Goals are important.
- The most important lesson of my life so far...
- If I ruled the world...
- Color affects the way people feel.
- Team sports are good for children.
- It’s better to be smart than strong.
- It’s better to be strong than smart.
- Children learn most from their parents.
- Children learn most from their friends.
- Who is your hero?
- It’s better to have a few good friends than to have many friends.
- It’s better to have many friends than to have a few good friends.
- It’s better to be old than young.
- It’s better to be young than old.
- It is sometimes okay to tell lies.
- It is never okay to tell lies.
- Money is not important.
- How we look is not important.
- How we look is really important.
- Pets are good for your health.
- Summer is the best and worst season.
- Winter is the best and worst season.
- TV controls our thinking.
- Children should not watch television.
- Children should watch television.
- Art is important.
- Art is not important.
Practice with a partner using the topics below. Remember, you don’t get time to prepare! After listening to your partner, give your partner advice—what was good? What needs improvement?
Student 1
- Which cell phone is the best?
- Which language is the easiest?
- What would you like to do this weekend?
Student 2
- What is your favorite TV show?
- Which food is easiest/most difficult for you to make?
- How do computers help your daily life?
If you finish early, choose a topic for your partner.
Choose a number between 1 and 35. After the teacher asks for your number, he or she will give you a speech topic. You must speak for 2 minutes about the topic.
Some of the speech topics are questions, like this: “What would you do if you won a million dollars?” Some of the speech topics are opinions, like this: “Exercise is not important.” You may disagree with the opinion, but don’t change the opinion. This is good practice for thinking and speaking quickly.