Impromptu speaking
Speaking well when you haven’t had time to prepare: in an interview, a meeting, a seminar or a toast you didn’t know you’d give. Here’s how it works, and how to get better at it.
- What it isSpeaking with little or no time to prepare
- How longUsually one to two minutes
- The trickOne clear point and a simple shape
- How to improveShort, regular practice, out loud
Start here
- 1Impromptu speech topicsTopics sorted by theme and difficulty, each ready to practise with a timer.Go
- 2Impromptu Topic GeneratorA random topic and a timer with green, amber and red lights. No sign-up.Go
- 3A shape for any answerPREP and two other simple shapes, each with a worked example and when to use it.Go
- 4Interview practiceReal interview questions, answered out loud against the clock.Go
What is impromptu speaking?
Impromptu speaking is speaking with little or no time to prepare, usually for a minute or two, in answer to a question or a topic you didn’t see coming.
It happens far more often than planned speeches do: the interview question you hadn’t rehearsed, being asked your view in a meeting, a question after a talk. The good news is that it’s a skill, not a gift. People who seem calm on the spot usually have a simple shape ready, and they’ve used it many times.
How to answer on the spot
- 1
Take a breath
Pause, and repeat the question in your own words. It buys a moment and shows what you are answering.
- 2
Pick one angle
Choose the first idea that comes with an example attached, and commit to it.
- 3
Use a shape
Make your point, give a reason, tell one short example, then say your point again.
- 4
Finish on the point
End by saying your point clearly, and stop. No trailing off.
Our topics, by theme
The ten themes we sort our own topics into, from easy personal ones to hard ones about opinion, ethics and the future.
FAQs
What is impromptu speaking?
Speaking with little or no time to prepare: an unexpected interview question, being asked your view in a meeting, or a toast you didn’t know you’d give. The skill is having a simple shape ready and staying calm enough to use it, and it grows with short, regular practice.
How long should I talk for?
Up to two minutes. Choose one minute, a minute and a half or two minutes before you start, and aim to finish between the green and red lights, the same as an answer at a speaking club. After red you have 30 seconds to finish your sentence, then the clock stops by itself.
What if my mind goes blank?
Keep talking about the question itself, or pause and start with one simple point. Recovering is part of the skill you’re practising.
A simple shape helps: make your point, give a reason, tell one short example, then come back to your point. If an answer really goes wrong, you can start over before you save it.
Is Learn to Speak Easy free?
Yes. One prompt a day, with feedback on your pace, filler words and timing plus one tip, is free for as long as you like. You don’t need a card.