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Impromptu Speakingby Tracy Brinkman of Brinkmann and AssociatesAfter a recent seminar I conducted, one of the attendees came up to me andshared that he really had no problem getting up in front of a larger audience. He stated that presentations were preferred over the �hall meetings� that happen some many times during our business day. His ability to prepare for these large presentations gave him a comfort level that he was not able to attain when approached spur-of-the-moment by a senior member of his company. Being a newer member of the company his real concern was that he might not be leaving the impression that he desired, when approached in these impromptu meetings. His fear was that he was leaving his fellow associate pondering his broken and rambling communication style rather than his insights, answers and ideas. My advice to him was to first realize that there is no such thing as private speaking (unless your are alone talking to yourself). Anyone that gives an arranged presentation is obviously more comfortable because they have the time to prepare, which is only natural. But you have to realize that these impromptu �meetings� at your desk, in the hallway or on the elevator can have as much of an impact on your success track as your prepared speeches. Luckily, you can �prepare for,� become skilled at, and even master the spontaneous interactions that are sprinkled throughout the day by� � Asking questions to start the conversation. Better yet, ask questions that allow the other person to talk about themselves. My best friend has one of those personalities where once you get to know him he opens up. However, until then he does not say a whole lot. Working for a major corporation he attends quite a few gatherings and was rather uncomfortable with the number of people that he did not know at these gatherings. I told him about this technique of asking questions and he gave it a try. He was quickly amazed at how little you really have to say to be considered �quite the conversationalist.� He found out that if you ask people key questions about their work, hobbies, etc., that they are more than willing to share. Focus on others. The previous point leads right into this next technique. Conversations flow easily when you and the other person are alike in some way or on some topic. However, conversations are just as easy when you display a sincere interest in what the other person is like or likes. Keep up with what is going on around you so you can give your fellow associates compliments and congratulations on projects accomplished, promotions earned, home purchases etc. This sincere interest will have a far more lasting impression than any verbal blunder you might make in the hallway. Give Praise to others. Spinning off of the previous point around focusing on others. Keep up with what is going on so you can give praise to those that deserve it. When receiving recognition for the efforts of your team, always remember to tout the efforts of the whole team. Give each persons name and examples of their contribution to result that you are being praised for. Keep up! In the last two points you read �keep up with what is going on�. Do this at a department, company, national and world level. Each will not be at the same level of detail of course, but surely be aware of the major happenings at all levels of your world. Keep up with the local and world news. Review your company�s annual report and other publications they circulate. From these sources of information, mentally prepare yourself with two or three things to say in your next impromptu hall meeting. When you first start this particular technique I would even suggest rehearsing this in front of a mirror or with a supportive friend. Here is a great place to combine techniques by asking a question in regards to something current or topical. Don�t be shy! Take a deep breath, gather your thoughts and speak! It sounds simple because it is. All the great rules of life are. If you find yourself in front of a senior member of your company (waiting for or on the elevator, arriving early to a meeting, or in the parking lot) take a deep breath, gather your thoughts and speak! Greet them with a pleasant �Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening!� depending on what time of the day it is. Now use the other four techniques you just read about. By keeping up, you can give praise on a recent accomplishment that they, their department, or the company has attained. You could ask about their vacation, new child, or other personal info. By keeping up you could ask if they know would share specifics on a company buy-out, the million dollars saved, or other topic that you read about in the company periodicals. Even if they don�t stop to have a complete conversation with you now, you surely have made a positive impression and planted the seeds for a future conversation during you next planned or unplanned encounter. Speaking impromptu is not as hard as it appears. Much like larger planned presentations, there are steps you can take to be prepared for a spontaneous conversation with anyone. Remember to ask questions, focus on the person you are talking to, give praise, keep up with what is happening around you, and don�t be shy! Try this and you will quickly find yourself far more at ease with off-the-cuff conversations! Think Successfully! ============================= (C) Tracy Brinkmann 2000-2001 all rights reserved Tracy Brinkmann of Brinkmann and Associates Want to be a better speaker?
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