When it comes to table topics, often a speaker feels lost, in an ocean of thought. It's normal to feel pressure when you're on stage giving a table topics. Fortunately, there are a few tried and true strategies you can use to improve your impromptu speaking.
1. PREP
PREP is a strategy for organizing your thoughts and speaking any time, not just during table topics. PREP stands for Point, Reason, Evidence, Point. When you are preparing your short speech, first, make a Point. Directly answer the question being asked. Next, give your Reason for answering the way you did. Then, it's important to give the audience Evidence that supports your Reason. Lastly, rephrase your Point in a creative way that gives the audience a clear and unambiguous picture of your answer.
2. A bit of silence is okay.
Once the Table Topics Master gives you your topic; STOP. Take a moment to think and formulate your answer. It's easy to fill the silence with something negative like rambling or filler sounds. Instead, discipline yourself to remain silent until you know what you're going to say. This strategy gives a more professional impression to the audience.
3. Go with it!
You don't have a lot of time in Table Topics. It's best to get on with it. Say what you want to say in a timely manner. As soon as an idea pops into your head, move forward in the speech. Begin your Point as soon as it comes to your mind. If you stall for too much time, the speech will start on an awkward footing.
1. PREP
PREP is a strategy for organizing your thoughts and speaking any time, not just during table topics. PREP stands for Point, Reason, Evidence, Point. When you are preparing your short speech, first, make a Point. Directly answer the question being asked. Next, give your Reason for answering the way you did. Then, it's important to give the audience Evidence that supports your Reason. Lastly, rephrase your Point in a creative way that gives the audience a clear and unambiguous picture of your answer.
2. A bit of silence is okay.
Once the Table Topics Master gives you your topic; STOP. Take a moment to think and formulate your answer. It's easy to fill the silence with something negative like rambling or filler sounds. Instead, discipline yourself to remain silent until you know what you're going to say. This strategy gives a more professional impression to the audience.
3. Go with it!
You don't have a lot of time in Table Topics. It's best to get on with it. Say what you want to say in a timely manner. As soon as an idea pops into your head, move forward in the speech. Begin your Point as soon as it comes to your mind. If you stall for too much time, the speech will start on an awkward footing.