Impromptu Speaking

We’ve been discussing one of the challenging areas of communication in the workplace – and everywhere else for that matter: First impressions. Now I’d like to shift to another equally-challenging topic: Impromptu presentations, or speaking “off the cuff,” with little or no preparation.

The reality is that we do impromptu presentations all the time. Tony Jeary wrote a wonderful book, the title of which says it all: Life is a Series of Presentations. When we interact with the Baristas at Starbucks, it’s an impromptu presentation. When we speak to the co-worker in the next cube about our plans for the weekend, it’s an impromptu presentation. When we stop and ask for directions, it’s an impromptu presentation. Far and away the vast majority of our presentations are impromptu!

(My friend, Scott Baker, the fellow who turned me on to Jeary’s book, asks interview candidates the question, “When was your last presentation?” He’s dying to have someone answer, “I’m making one right now!”)

If we are always doing impromptu presentations, and if most of us are pretty good at these daily unrehearsed interactions, why is it that we sometimes freak out about speaking on short notice? While we don’t think twice about having an impromptu conversation about last night’s ball game, we can experience considerable nervousness about taking that call from our child’s teacher, returning the defective product to the store, or responding to an unexpected question at a meeting. I believe our nervousness has its roots in the following:

• We perceive that the stakes are higher in some situations. Will we be able to influence others? Will we get the job? Can we get our money back? Will we look good to the boss or our peers?
• Sheer numbers. While comfortable in small groups, the thought of speaking up in a group of even moderate size can overwhelm us. The boss turns to us and says, “Since Sheila is out today, please give us an update on the status of your team.” All eyes turn to us. All of a sudden, the room seems very, very quiet. Yikes.
• Lack of preparation. The truth is that it’s difficult to feel comfortable at something we’re not ready for. For impromptu presentations we won’t be able to rehearse, but we can adopt formulas and strategies that will help us in our moment of need. We’ll discuss those strategies in upcoming posts to this blog.

Impromptu presentations (a.k.a. speaking off the cuff) are a key part of our overall communication arsenal. We’ll be talking more about why they are important, look at some examples, and the things we can do to prepare.

Mom was right!

It’s always good to put a plug in for Mom. What is the stereotypical trio our mothers are usually credited with saying? “Sit up straight, keep your elbows off the table, and watch your language!” In the realm of first impressions, Mom was right! Let’s take them one at a time.

“Sit up straight!”

It may not be fair, but the truth is that people judge us on appearances.  Good posture, clean clothes, and pleasant facial expressions all contribute significantly to the way other people perceive us. Several months ago, my teenage daughter was applying for a job at a shoe store. As she wrapped up the interview, a young man walked into the store and announced that he, too, was there to apply. He was disheveled in appearance and leaned on everything – kind of draping himself on the counter as he spoke. Who do you think got the job?

“Keep your elbows off the table!”

Mom thought that sitting with your elbows on the table was rude. Perceptions of us are deeply affected by whether we approach others with polite manners and respect. This is especially important as we cross national and cultural borders where we might unwittingly offend those we speak to. Several years ago, my phone company kept screwing something up. In a fit of anger I called their toll-free support line and just about yelled into the phone, “This is the 12th time I’ve called and you still screwed this up! I’m so mad I could spit!” The gentleman on the other end of the phone said, “I’ll take care of you sir. Please hold.” I sat on hold for 15 minutes before I realized what he had done. I was out of line and he had truly “taken care of” me. I learned my lesson and have found telephone support folks to be much more cooperative when I am polite and respectful.

“Watch your language!”

Vulgar language is to be avoided, but I think this goes even deeper for our daily communications. Are you using language appropriate for your audience? Does everyone know the jargon and the acronyms? Not long ago, in a conversation with my Cable supplier, the fellow on the phone kept wanting to talk about a “multi-platform content delivery system.” I just wanted clear reception! It is important that we match the words we use to those who will be listening.

Thanks, Mom!