I watched the impromtus during our final class last night, and it appears they were well-received. I changed the format of how I handle these, as well as making the questions more open-ended and general than traditional business-related issues, and then used a Critical Incident Questionnaire to better understand the experience. There are a few things that stick out in my mind about this end-of-course activity:
- Speaking on your feet is not scary with practice.
- Seeing how things work well and then trying them out can be effective (such as asking the audience a question and getting their responses at the beginning to capture their attention).
- Humor goes a long way to engaging and maintaining audience involvement.
- Using a general communications model can be applicable to all communications situations.
- Using a personal story on a topic with which the audience can directly relate is engaging.
I am pleased with the results, and like the way it seemed to end the course on a positive note by taking what we learned and applying it to a larger context (life). I hope my students found it as useful as well.
Hello again… i love the points that you had shared.Had some medals impromptus here and i’d like to share about some points that we have in common. I use the simple HOOK, BOOK,LOOK and TOOK strategy.
HOOK is when you hook and capture the audience’s attention by starting with an eye catching Introduction like jokes, stories or just simply an attention getting greeting.
BOOK is when you use a transitional sentence to bring the attention to what your message really is.
LOOK is when you get to the parts and details of what you have to say or convey.
TOOK is when what your speech has to offer and for them to learn and grasp from. This is the meat and it has to fit to the level of the audience’s understanding.
I stand corrected Sir, I just cared to share what little that i have.
@Janice Dimaano
Thank you for sharing this model, Janice. There are so many ways to approach communication and presentations, and I am primarily interested that my students are intentional in their process!
Hi Jeffrey
I really like your questionnaire – it looks like it would be really helpful in guiding reflection in the right direction.
I am sure that your number 1 point is correct – that speaking on your feet is not scary with practice. I must still need a lot more practice as it is still scary for me. How long do you think I need before it stops being scary?
Helen
@Helen Hickson
Thank you for your feedback.
The amount of time different people need, especially with different audiences and content, really matters on numerous factors. One thing that is for sure, practice practice practice will help with improving confidence and ultimately delivery.
Do you have many occasions to practice and speak in front of groups?
thanks for the feedback and advice Jeffrey. I think that you are right and I am going to find a forum to do something about it – I have written about this in my blog, but briefly, I have found the group Toastmasters in my local area and I will go and find a place to practice and practice. Thanks for the advice – I really appreciate it.
Helen