Unit 5: Communication for Various Purposes
Topic 3: Talking That Fits the Occasion
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:
1. explain the advantages and disadvantages of an impromptu speech;
2. identify appropriate methods in organizing an impromptu speech
3. perform functional speeches effectively, and
4. organize and deliver an effective impromptu speech.
Presentation of the Content
The test of an excellent public speaker is to challenge himself or herself to have
an on-the-spot or impromptu speech. To deliver such speech, a speaker needs to
have great organizational skills, wit, and composure. Speaking in front of people
is a fearsome task, more so if you have very little time to prepare. We are
sometimes asked to “say a few words” in an event that usually rattles us
especially when we are not used to it.
Impromptu Speech
The feature that distinguishes impromptu from other types of speech is time.
Impromptu speech involves unrehearsed speaking with very short time for
preparation. In fact, many of the speeches you give are impromptu. You can be
asked to speak to introduce, to thank, to inspire, to welcome, to entertain, and to
congratulate. No matter what the purpose is, all entails little time to prepare. The
challenge is how you can deliver such speech effectively.
Methods or Patterns of Organizing an Impromptu Speech:
1. PREP method
Point: State your position on the topic.
Reason: State your reason for taking the position.
Example: Provide an example that helps explain your reason.
Restatement of Point: Summarize and Restate your position.
P The point I wish to make is that Impromptu Speaking is an
essential skill to have.
R Being able to speak effectively with little preparation is very
empowering
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Unit 5: Communication for Various Purposes
E I can remember my sister being called to speak in front of her
colleagues. At first she struggled; but because she knows some
techniques in delivering an impromptu speech, the struggles were turned
into opportunities – opportunities to showcase her speaking skills and
wit. Now, she is more confident, more vibrant, more alive, more willing
to take risks not only in speaking but also in whatever she does.
P When a person becomes more comfortable in speaking even with
less preparation, he or she becomes empowered and stronger.
2. Point-Support-Conclusion (PSC) Method
Point: Provide your point of view, key idea, or objective.
Support: Provide stories or examples that help prove your point.
Conclusion: End by restating your point of view or key idea and by
making your call to action.
3. Past-Present-Future (PPF) Method
Point: State your Key Point
Past: Discuss what happened in the past.
Future: Tell your audience about what will or could happen in the
future.
Point: Summarize by restating your key point.
Delivering Functional Speeches
No matter what the situation is, we need to consider these points:
1. Functional speeches must be brief.
2. Functional speeches concern emotions.
3. Functional speeches, especially the language used, must be appropriate
to the situation. You do not want a highly entertaining speech during a
funeral.
Introducing a Speaker
Generally, introducing speakers should not be longer than two minutes. Do not be
a catalyst to the boredom of the audience by enumerating the full biography of the
speaker. Use the following sequence when introducing a speaker:
1. What is the topic?
2. Why is it important to the audience?
3. Why is the speaker qualified to talk about the topic?
4. Who is the speaker?
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Unit 5: Communication for Various Purposes
Welcoming Attendees and Guests
The purpose of a welcoming address is to make the participants feel comfortable.
As the person designated to welcome the quest, you stand as the representative of
the organizer. Your credibility and performance may influence how the guests
perceive the whole event. Use the following tips when welcoming the
participants:
1. Limit the speech between three to five minutes.
2. Mention the organizer, the type of participants, and the important
locations and facilities.
3. Start with a high note.
4. Describe some highlights of the event.
Accepting and Thanking
Use the following tips when thanking those who recognize us:
1. Keep the speech short, usually not more than two minutes.
2. Do not forge to thank the Award-giving organization
3. Do not forget to thank those who are instrumental to your success.
Wedding Wishes
A wedding is a day of hope, love and celebration. Giving wedding wishes to the
couples need not be fancy; however, you can be creative. Here are some tips on
how you can give your warm wishes to the newlyweds:
1. Be sincere.
2. A love poem or quotation can be a good way to begin the speech.
3. Speak about your personal thoughts and relate to the couples.
4. You may use humor.
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