"IMPROMPTU"
"IMPROMPTU!"
The game of "Impromptu" is the outgrowth of an exercise devised by
the author and used by him in The Public Speaking Club of America.
A number of cards, each bearing a separate subject, are placed in a
hat. Then a member of the club stands up, selects one of the cards,
announces the subject named on the card, and proceeds to speak on
that particular theme for one minute. At the expiration of that time
another member rings the bell.
This exercise can be carried on by two or more persons. It is
surprizing how rapidly through this simple pastime one gains facility
in speech and increased self-confidence. Many of these "maiden
efforts" at impromptu speaking are necessarily very funny, and
sometimes send the listeners into fits of laughter; but the basis of
the exercise is serious, and there is disclosed new and unsuspected
talent in the participants.
The ability to think and speak "on one's feet" is not usually a gift
of nature, but is acquired through simple and regular practise.
Curran, the distinguished Irish orator, was known in his early days
as "Stuttering Jack." He has described his first experience in
attempting to speak before a small debating club. On standing up, he
trembled from head to foot, and when he saw all eyes fixt upon
him--there were seven persons present!--he became almost petrified
with fear. His friends cried "Hear him!" but altho his lips moved,
not a sound came from them. He profited by his experience, however,
since through study and practise he became one of the greatest
orators of his day.
"Impromptu" implies ready, offhand, without previous study or
preparation, and provides one of the best tests of a man's fund of
thought and readiness in expression. In practising "Impromptu" the
student is advised to set his mind rapidly to work the instant he
reads the subject on the card chosen, to content himself with the
first idea that comes to him, and to speak very deliberately. This
will give the appearance of self-possession, while permitting his
mind to reach out for fresh material. So rapidly does the mind work
that, after a little practise, the speaker will be able to arrange
his thoughts in a certain sequence, even in the few seconds that
elapse between choosing his subject and uttering the first word.
A conscientious student will endeavor to make each succeeding effort
better than the last. He will aim to keep strictly to his subject,
to speak fluently, to employ the best possible language, and to
express only those ideas that are worth while. Where circumstances
render it necessary, one may practise the exercise by himself.
A list of subjects is offered here (which the student may himself
supplement), together with specimen one-minute speeches prepared and
delivered by the author's pupils. A man who has himself well in hand
and knows precisely what he wants to talk about, can make a most
interesting speech in the short space of one minute.