Page 318 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

Chapter 11 Delivery: Engaging Your Audience 285

to make about the effects of rap. First, the effects are exaggerated. Second, most
people who think rap affects violence are clueless about modern music. So what
I’m saying is they’re making a mountain out of another molehill.” Notice in this
example that the fi rst sentence not only previews the points being made but also
restates in modifi ed form the question asked. The two points are made and then
summarized in the fi nal sentence. Compare this response with another hypo-
thetical but not atypical one from a student: “I don’t know . . . I guess I disagree.
It’s just a bunch of people who are out of it coming down on alternative music.
Get a life, you know?” This response is both disorganized and equivocal, bring-
ing us to our next tip.

Take a Position. Few of us are impressed with people who are wishy-washy.
When someone asks a speaker, “What’s your opinion?” we think the speaker
is obligated to give it. On the other hand, if a speaker has not yet formulated a
clear-cut opinion, an audience would much rather hear the person say, “I’ll get
more information and I’ll get back to you” than hem and haw in response to
such a query.
Use Powerful Language. Powerful language goes hand in hand with the pre-
ceding guidelines. Recall that powerful language avoids the use of unnecessary
qualifi ers and vague questions. Powerful people say such things as “My opinion
is fi rm” or “My experience leads me to the unequivocal belief. . . .” Powerful
people do not say, “I could be wrong, but I think . . .” or “I believe it’s okay, do
you?” Impromptu speaking is tough enough without undermining your author-
ity with powerless language.

Hitchhike. It’s sometimes effective to begin an impromptu message with what
others have already said on the matter. This hitchhiking technique shows that
you have been actively listening. It also acknowledges the contributions of oth-
ers, even when we disagree with what they’ve said. For example. “Bill’s point
that this situation demands caution is well taken, but I must respectfully disagree
for a couple of reasons.” We also might say, “Let me summarize what’s been said
thus far, and then I’ll add my two cents worth.” Again, this kind of bridge tells
our audience we are tuned in and organized.

Use Stories and Anecdotes. If you know a story or an anecdote that contains
a lesson that is both relevant and straightforward, by all means use it as a basis
for your impromptu speech. Organizational culture often gives rise to stories
about people and events that can be used in an impromptu speech. Some sto-
ries and anecdotes are generally known and can be applied to almost any point
you choose to make. The real power of Aesop’s fables, for instance, is that each
contains multiple lessons you can apply to life. The same is true of many well-
known children’s stories such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears and The Boy Who
Cried Wolf.

Invest in Reference Works. Impromptu speaking is a matter of when, not
if. Thus, we recommend purchasing for your personal library at least two kinds
of reference books, First, look for a book composed of famous quotations from
well-known and widely recognized people. At the same time, invest in a book of
anecdotes compiled from the lives of the famous and notorious. Then fi nd and
commit to memory quotes and anecdotes that can be applied generally to topics
and issues you may be asked to speak about.