18The Impromptu Speech
A vice president I once worked with was asked to introduce a minister of labor at a business luncheon. The executive had prepared an adulatory introduction, but the minister showed up early and needed to speak well before her designated time. When the VP arrived, his introductory remarks were no longer needed.
After the minister finished her keynote address, the master of ceremonies called upon the VP to “say a few words” about the speaker. The executive knew he had to craft an impromptu speech, do so quickly, and make it right for the occasion. The theme of his remarks came to him as he walked up to the podium to address the seven hundred people in the room. He began, “Madame Minister, I am not surprised you were ahead of schedule today. After all, as your speech indicates, you have been moving rapidly to address labor issues in this province.” The VP then enumerated a few of the labor issues that the minister had been tackling and resolving. After doing so he concluded, “Thank you for coming today and for staying ahead of schedule on your commitments to this province.”
This brief address comprised the perfect impromptu speech—well organized and fully suited to the occasion. The ability to think on the spot, and the guidance provided by the Leader's Script proved a winning combination for him.
One Compelling Idea
The best impromptu speeches reverberate with a single, captivating idea. In this respect, they are like other kinds of impromptu remarks ...
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