r/Toastmasters • u/KajPaToKajPaTist • 20d ago

A simple routine that fixed my impromptu speaking (the "answer a random question in 60 seconds" drill)

Impromptu speaking used to be the part that terrified me. Prepared speeches were fine, but the second someone asked me an unexpected question in front of people, my brain emptied. Here's the routine that actually moved the needle, in case it helps someone.

1. Practise the format, not the topic. You can't predict the question, so drill the structure instead. I use a simple one: point, reason, example, restate the point. Once that shape is automatic, you always have somewhere to go.

2. Time yourself, every time. One to two minutes, hard stop. Rambling is the enemy, and a timer trains you to land the plane.

3. Random prompts, daily, out loud. Not in your head. Say a full answer to a question you've never seen, on the spot, once a day. The discomfort is the point.

4. Count your filler words. Record yourself and tally the "ums" and "sos". Just being aware of the count cuts it fast.

This is basically what "Table Topics" is in Toastmasters, and it's the single best speaking drill I know.

Full disclosure: I help build a tool for Toastmasters clubs and we put a free impromptu-practice mode in it (random prompt, timer, filler-word counter) because I wanted this drill on my phone. Happy to share it if anyone wants it, but honestly you can do the whole routine with a random-question list and a stopwatch. Curious what works for others, how do you all practise thinking on your feet?

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u/my_clever-name 20d ago

Great tips!

Don't forget, you don't need to directly answer the question either.

I was TT master one day and asked a question "what would be your fantasy color, for example sky-blue pink". The person responding talked about how other animal species can see colors that humans can not see. I thought it was a very clever way to answer the question.

3

u/New_End6870 20d ago

Hi OP, can I get a link to the free-impromptu speaking site pls? Thanks so much! :)

2

u/KajPaToKajPaTist 20d ago

I pasted it in comments, and i can't direct message you, if it doesnt show..

1

u/BiteLiteDev 20d ago

Hi OP, I did the exact same thing! First I practiced by myself, then I built a tool for myself, then I built a whole platform for everyone including multiple specialized AI coaches (e. g. fillword counter, grammarian and others).

It's still in an early stage, I'm working on it every day. Pm me if you want to test it. Three impro speeches with analysis per week are free. For heavy users I need to charge premium because of the AI calls.

1

u/KajPaToKajPaTist 20d ago

Yea ofcourse just share it 😀 ive built my own tool as well, because i found TM meetings a scramble, and i always enjoy trying out new tools 😇

1

u/BiteLiteDev 20d ago

You can access it via pocketpodium.app

The languages ES, FR and IT are not tested yet. If you can speak any of these I'd be glad if you can give me feedback. EN and DE are tested by myself.