Giving a speech or a lecture can be very difficult and intimidating when dealing with a large audience. Not only do presenters have to deal with stage fright, but they have to deal with a difficult audience. If one is unprepared, they can come off as unprofessional. One way to prepare for these situations is by delivering speeches as though they are extemporaneous.
Extemporaneous Speaking
An extemporaneous speech (extemp speech) is delivered from a prepared outline or note cards. The outline or note cards include the main ideas and arguments of the speech. The only information that is typically copied word for word are quotes. Outlines and note cards should be used for keeping the presentation organized and for reminding the presenter what information needs to be provided.
Extemp speaking has many advantages compared to the other methods of delivery. For one, an extemporaneous speech sounds spontaneous because the presenter is not reading word for word. Glancing at an outline or a note card that has key ideas listed allows the presenter to add detail and personality to the information being presented. Second, similar to memorized speaking, eye contact and body language can increase. The speaker's head is not down, buried in a manuscript. Third, the speaker is able to take in audience feedback and respond to it as it occurs. An audience tends to change moment by moment, and a good speaker can tell when more or less detail is needed for different parts of the presentation.
In order to play to the strengths of extemporaneous speech, it is important to practice presenting with the outline or note cards being used. Inexperienced speakers tend to worry that they will forget important information if they do not write it out on their outline or note card. Practicing your speech, even if it's just to your pet or mirror, will help increase your confidence level in both delivery and knowledge of the subject. This will help you seem more like an expert in front of your audience.
Answering Difficult Questions
Sometimes your audience may be difficult during the question and answer period . If you do not know the answer to a question asked by an audience member, simply say so, do not lie, and explain any relevant information you do know. If an audience member asks a question in disagreement with your topic, remain in good terms. Politely and respectfully acknowledge the opposing thoughts. If an audience member interrupts your speech with a question, answer it, and return to where you left off.
A Tough Crowd
It may sometimes be difficult to engage the audience during the question and answer period.