Flexibility
and improvisation
In previous
lessons, I have expressed the importance of rehearsing to be able
to carry out a perfectly prepared speech and not leave aything to
chance.
However,
this does not mean that the speaker can not improvise, get away from
the script (this will allow the speech to be slightly fresh).
If you
can think of new ideas, remember curious anecdotes, etc.
You
can try and connect the speech with the ideas expressed by another
speaker that was speaking before you.
Sometimes
the results will be be like they were planned and the spaker needs
to be able to react with agility.
There are
situations that you can anticipate and you should already be prepared
for.
Preparing
additional material just in case in the last moment they tell you
that they want you to speek for longer.
Identifying
parts of the speech which can be made smaller if, on the contrary
they shorten your speech time.
Preparing
anecdotes, alternative examples, etc. just in case the speaker before
you mentions the ones that you were thinking of using.
If
you are going to use visual support material (slides, computer,
etc) besides preparing the speech and counting on them, you should
also rehearse without any type of support, just in case the projector
doesn't work, a computer is not available, etc.
In other
occasions, if other unforseen things come up you can solve them as
you go along (a coughing attack, constant hiccups, a glass of water
that spills onto your notes, etc).
The speaker
should react naturally; the audience is understanding and they will
understand the situation.
It
is sometimes a good idea to turn to your sense of humour to take
importance away from what has happened.
It
is important that you stay calm and don't get upset (tension is
contagious).
Somtimes
during the speech something unexpected can come up with forces you
to stop momentarily (the microphone doesn't work, an alarm goes off,
etc).
The speaker
will interrupt his speech until the conditions allow him to follow.
He
shouldn't continue in any case as if nothing has happened as this
will mean that the audience will miss a part of the speech (besides,
the image of the speaker fighting against the elements is somewhat
pathetic).
In
these situations the speaker should react naturally, interrupting
the speech, but not showing irritation.
Whilst
the situation continues, try to fill the time with some comments,
giving what has happened less importance, telling an anecdote about
a similar situation that you have experienced, etc.
If
you don't do this then the public will start talking, this will
disturb the speaker as he will loose his protagonism and with it
the audience's attention.
If
ths situation goes on more than expected, the best thing to do is
interrupt the event, abandon the stand until the circumstances allow
you to continue.
Finally,
if you are invited to speak without having anything prepared you can
try and be spontaneous, directing a few brief words (welcoming those
present, thanking everything for the opportunity to say a few words,
make a few comments on the topic and then thank everyone again; the
public will not expect anything else).
