Q. Today a co-worker astounded me when he reacted to a surprise question at a meeting. The topic was one he hadn’t prepared for (but knew generally) and he gave a polished, confident presentation on the spot. How is it possible to do this? I’d like to have this skill! — Lois K.

A. Probably because he’s practiced—and mastered—the skill of speaking ad-lib. You can too. How? By knowing how to do it; being willing to take some risks; having confidence in your ability. And lots of practice.

Mastering the skill of speaking impromptu—without advance knowledge of the topic that will be discussed, and with little or no preparation time—will help you feel more comfortable thinking—and speaking—anywhere, anytime. It doesn’t mean that you’ll try to bluff your response with remarks that have little or no content. It does mean having a broad understanding of the topic and a willingness to apply what you know to the specific focus being discussed. Let’s begin with long-range preparation.

Make a list of issues or topics being discussed at your work right now. Then rank the topics from most important to least important. Use this to build a knowledge base for possible ad lib comments. You don’t have to be an expert on the entire topic—just be able to apply some points to a current problem. Take a few topics at a time and write two or three key points about each one. Your points might cover, for example:

• How this topic affects your product delivery or service

• Problems people have implementing the points you’ve identified.

• Ways each of your points can smooth workflow; eliminate waste;

build relationships, solve a problem.

You might keep this information on a 3 x 5 card—one for each topic—and add data as you learn more about the topic.

Expect to Talk

If you’re attending a meeting, expect to participate in some way—otherwise, why attend the meeting? Try to predict topics related to the meeting agenda, which you may be called on to discuss. Then practice thinking about those topics to develop two or three key points on each one.

Next, practice giving your opinions or explaining your viewpoints, out loud, and often, with little preparation. Pick out 3 x 5 cards at random and start speaking about what you know about the topic. Do the same immediately after hearing a news story; reading a magazine or newspaper article; hearing someone discuss a topic. (When you’re in your car, try speaking out loud on the topic while you’re waiting for stoplights.)

• Have a few ready-made remarks, phrases, introductions on hand—and some stories or anecdotes that you can use to illustrate a point from several angles. For example:

“John, you’re bringing up a key topic that’s crucial for the success of our business,

and especially what we’re discussing today. I see three thinks about this topic

that have special relevance. First…”

Since you expect to speak up—or called on to share your ideas—you’ve prepared for it.

• Know some ready-made organizational patterns you can choose from:

—Past, present, future. “Let’s look at how this problem has had a history with us, its

impact now and what we might expect as we deal with it in the future. We first

started working on this when…”

—How the topic affects you, another person, and the audience. “This topic is having

multiple impacts on us: first, it affects how we ourselves are thinking and working;

next…”

—Yes/Now: Here’s why. “It seems to me our choice is clear: we either implement the

idea now—as is—or postpone it for later discussion. I think we need to go with it

now, and here’s why I say that…”

—Other patterns: cause/effect; compare/contrast; problem/solution; importance.

• Know how to make the best use of your time.

—As you get up to speak, decide on your organizational pattern and

two or three key points you want to make.

—Ask for audience reaction, to give you time to think ahead to

your next point so you can blend it in easily.

• Buy time:

— Pause thoughtfully before you speak, as well as during your remarks. A careful pause will enhance your credibility as well as your confidence.

— Rephrase the question or the introduction of the topic

— Memorize some quotes and sayings that will impress your audience. “You know,

Mark Twain once said, ‘I’m sorry this letter is so long; I didn’t have time to

write a shorter one.’ I think his comments is especially relevant now, because…”

— Prepare some ready-made transitions, comments, and beginnings: “On the other hand; there are several implications to this. For example, what will this mean for product development?”

The key to ad-lib success is practice: look for opportunities to share your ideas impromptu. The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it.