How to speak in public? Impromptu - what is it?

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The word of Latin origin "impromptu" is a kind of ambiguous term. This concept originally belonged to the field of music and literature. Later it came into use and began to be used in everyday speech. Generally speaking, impromptu is an unexpected, unplanned action or event. Sometimes replaced by the word "improvisation". In this article, we will look at the meaning of the word "impromptu" in the above areas. We will also give recommendations on how to pass for a word master.

What does the word "impromptu" mean in literature?

In this area, this term refers to a short literary work created immediately at the time of performance without prior preparation. In other words, impromptu is a kind of improvisation. Over time, a separate genre appears - literary impromptu. It includes short oratorical speeches, aphorisms, improvisedpoems or prose essays. Very often, the latter become part of a theatrical performance. In European literature, such impromptu are not considered serious works. And in the east, on the contrary. For example, in Japanese or Arabic literature, impromptu is quite acceptable. Therefore, improvisation becomes part of a work of a serious genre. In general, the use of impromptu in Eastern countries is welcomed in every possible way and adds originality to the works.

Poetic improvisation

In poetry, an impromptu is a short verse composed without prior preparation, quickly invented, mostly orally. Very often timed to coincide with any occasion. By genre, such compositions are usually epigrams, comic poems or madrigals.

How to use impromptu in your speech?

"Master of the word" - this is the name of people who can express themselves eloquently and captivate other people with their speech. Even if there are no public speaking in your profession, then in life there are situations when you need to be able to speak “without a piece of paper”. It can be a job interview or a toast at a colleague's birthday, or an unexpected interview … It is very important not to get confused and find the right words, not to fall into embarrassment, but to make the public like you. Below we will give some recommendations and tell you what and how to do to make the impromptu successful.

Preparation and the right attitude

No matter howstrangely, a successful impromptu is a carefully planned action in advance. This does not mean that there is no place for creativity and spontaneity, but the main direction of your actions should be outlined in advance. For example, if you need to be on TV, be sure to read the script and the list of questions on the topic. Or, if you are about to be interviewed, find out what questions interviewers most often ask when applying for this position. Or another example: you have to attend an event (birthday, wedding or creative meeting) - prepare a congratulatory speech, review, comment on the event in advance. In other words, to pass for a brilliant improviser, try to minimize the fact of surprise.

The mood with which you will speak also plays a significant role. Try to remember those moments when you felt light and unusually uplifted, the state in which creative ideas came to mind on their own, and jokes were unusually sharp. This state is called over-efficiency. In order to evoke this in yourself, you need to feel at the same time active, inspired, confident, open and relaxed.

Achieving such a state is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. Tighten and then relax your muscles. It is very important to follow your breath until you feel peace and calmness. Recall a situation when you felt something similar to inspiration and try to survive it by evoking the same in yourself.feeling. Try to feel again the moment when you were 100% sure of yourself. Simply put, the basis for a successful impromptu is self-confidence, openness, activity, inspiration and relaxation at the same time.

Improvisation structure

No matter how strange it may seem, any successful impromptu has its own structure. It consists of an introduction, main body and conclusion. In the first part, the main goal is to attract attention and set the direction for the speech. In the main part, it is best to describe only one idea. If you want to reveal more, then it is better to do it another time. Since a short impromptu is usually remembered. The conclusion is the most important part. For example, words spoken at the end are remembered best. Therefore, at the end, try to express the main point.

And most importantly, don't be afraid to express yourself, your thoughts and feelings. Good luck with your impromptu!