Highlights from the Toastmasters Impromptu Workshop

At the recent Singapore Toastmaster's meeting, members participated in an engaging Table Topic Workshop centered around impromptu speaking. The session highlighted the significance of mastering this skill, covering aspects such as mental preparation, quick structuring of responses, and clear, confident communication.

Acting Sergeant at Arms TM Indumathi Sivanesan opened the meeting with positive remarks, followed by Acting President Jhunilyn L. Ofiana , who extended a warm welcome to everyone, including our distinguished guest, District B3 TM Ali Yousuf Zaidi. TM Jhunilyn then introduced the Toastmaster of the Day, TM Simon Bernie .

TM Simon Bernie led the session with enthusiasm, creating an interactive atmosphere. He invited TM Rahul Pathania to introduce the Word of the Day, “Grit,” encouraging members to use it in their speeches. Simon's dynamic leadership kept the energy high and the workshop engaging.

TM Simon Bernie as Toast Master of the Day

DTM Terence K.J. Nunis captivated the audience with an impactful introduction, highlighting the real-world significance of Table Topics. He explained that the ability to think and speak spontaneously is crucial for confidence in daily interactions

DTM Terence K.J. Nunis delivering Speech

Terence then delved into several key areas, as outlined below:

The Power of Impromptu Speech

TM Terence emphasised that impromptu speaking skills are valuable beyond Toastmasters. He highlighted the importance of delivering a clear message in 1-2 minutes, especially in professional settings where clarity matters. Skills from Table Topics, like quick thinking and effective structuring, are essential for making a strong impact.

The Importance of Timing

He explained that timing is critical in public speaking. The average attention span is 5-7 minutes, hence making concise, focused speeches is essential. This is particularly important in Table Topics, where quick organisation and delivery are necessary. This skill is invaluable in professional settings where you need to communicate effectively under time pressure.

Crafting a Powerful 2-Minute Speech

He also provided practical tips for structuring a 2-minute speech, and recommended speaking at 60-70 words per minute, starting with a strong opening, followed by 1-2 examples, and ending with a call to action.

How to Look and Sound Authentic

TM Terence then stressed that authenticity comes from both words and body language. He encouraged members to adopt open gestures, make eye contact, and use vocal variety to engage their audiences effectively, while minimizing the use of filler words in formal contexts. He explained that while pause fillers are generally frowned upon, they can sometimes be useful in informal settings to create relatability. In contrast, in formal environments, it's crucial to keep these fillers to a minimum to project authority and clarity.

Overcoming Nerves and Forgetfulness

TM Terence spoke about typical challenges such as anxiety and forgetfulness encountered by speakers. He recommended deep breathing to help regain composure and suggested repeating the last point if a speaker loses track. He concluded by highlighting the significance of ongoing practice in refining communication abilities. Regular practice equips speakers to handle unexpected situations with ease, ensuring they can deliver their messages with confidence and clarity, even when facing pressure.
His insights provided valuable tools for enhancing impromptu speaking, ensuring that every speech is presented with clarity and strong impact.

Table Topic Speeches

TM Swati Dave led the Table Topics session, where members applied their newly learned techniques. The theme “Breaking Boundaries” inspired participants to share personal experiences, showcasing their quick-thinking and speaking skills

Timer Report

TM Simon invited Timer of the Day TM Gaurav to report on timing, confirming all participants adhered to their allotted times.