5 things to avoid while speaking in Impromptu Situations

If you want to speak as a leader in impromptu situations, avoid the following blunders:

1. Talking Too Much

A common pitfall is blabbering  on. Those who have this tendency, interrupt others, monopolize meetings, ignore valuable contributions of others, and in general turn people off.

Stick to the matter at hand. Don’t waste anyone’s time.

2. Not Preparing

Winston Churchill had fun with speakers who talk without thinking. He observed: “Before they get up, they do not know what they are going to say; when they are speaking, they do not know what they are saying; and when they have sat down, they do not know what they have said.”

Well, we can prepare to be spontaneous. There are times when you know you’ll be part of an impromptu event – a client chat, a conversation with a subordinate, an important visitor. Take whatever time you have to prepare notes, or a mental outline of what you will say. Even if you only have a few seconds, pause and decide what your message is.

3. Misreading your Audience

Still another impromptu faux pas  is misreading your audience.

Be sensitive to the feelings, concerns, and knowledge of your listeners. Some of the engineers I’ve coached are spot on when speaking , but overestimate the ability of colleagues and clients to understand particular issues.

Similarly, a boss might misread a situation in which a new hire needs a compliment, or friendly guidance, rather than a critique. A participant in a meeting may speak up with a proposed plan, not realizing (because he has tuned out) that the group has just moved beyond that proposal. Staying attuned to your audience’s thinking is critical in all situations.

4. Letting off Steam

Another impromptu gaffe is letting off steam. We all carry baggage with us\ in our minds. Fears, disappointments, concerns, and uncertainties. Occasionally impromptu exchanges bring these to the surface. As a result, sometimes we say things we regret.

5. Cracking Jokes

Humor is dangerous for leaders if not properly thought of !

An executive I know was honoring a staff member, who was about to retire. He stood up and began his speech: “Sunny is a memorable figure. One colleague will remember him for being late…. another for his crazy sense of humor…. and still another for the fact that he has always been a bit wierd.” He concluded by saying, “So we’ll always remember you, Sunny, for the things you may wish to forget!”

Everyone laughed – Sunny the loudest – but no one was laughing inside. They were embarrassed for Sunny and for the speaker. This was not a moment of leadership.

All these pitfalls can be avoided if you prepare for your impromptu remarks.

The underlying message of Impromptu is that extemporaneous speaking requires forethought, discipline, and preparation.  Keep key leadership messages uppermost in your mind. And use whatever time you have to read your audience, collect your thoughts, choose your words, and structure your script. These techniques will equip you for success as a leader in the Age of Impromptu.