Improvisation in public speaking is an advanced skill that not everyone can boast of. All of you remember that feeling of awkwardness as soon as you need to rise to the stage (or at least rise up from your place) and present some kind of coherent speech. There are a few people who are ready to do that without preparation and feel comfortable with that task.
That’s why many people get ready for the impromptu speeches they are expected to deliver at significant events, be it a wedding, an anniversary or a graduation ceremony. Depending on the upcoming event, you may prepare a couple of outlines and strategies for yourself so that you don’t turn red, shy or numb in front of your listeners. Here is a list of impromptu speech ideas that can save you on a variety of occasions and cover your back when you are required to speak without early warning.
What Is an Impromptu Speech Topic?
An impromptu, or extemporaneous, speech is the type of public performance that you are expected not to rehearse, write out or prepare in any way in advance. That’s why its second name is “improvisation”. However, most of you have at least a vague idea of what is expected from you at a particular event. So, it’s possible to draft a couple of ideas that will guide you in public speaking and will save you from chaotic mumbling.
An impromptu speech may be a part of your class assignment, which tests your ability to structure information quickly and present your arguments or cases in a coherent, logical manner. It may also be required from you in a certain life situation when you’re invited to speak out unexpectedly. No matter the situation, you have to be ready to collect your thoughts and present your idea in a way that your audience can grasp.
This way, an impromptu speech topic is your roadmap in the preparation for a non-structured, improvisational public performance. It will be your general guiding idea around which you can structure your performance as you go.
How to Choose Impromptu Speech Topics?
Here are a couple of tips that can simplify the process of impromptu topic selection:
- Choose something you’re familiar with and have a personal interest in.
- Don’t try to discuss something you don’t know or have only scarce knowledge about.
- Find a topic that will allow you to share interesting personal cases and experiences.
- Pick a topic that allows a natural public speech with a powerful introduction of the context and a memorable wrap-up at the end.
You may also make use of several professional tips that can help you prepare for any kind of impromptu speech and deliver it like a superstar.
- Choose a consistent tone for the entire speech. It is pretty misleading to start on a formal note and then throw in a couple of jokes or end with a conversational appeal.
- Make quick notes if you have at least a couple of minutes to prepare. They will save you if you feel suddenly nervous and lose track of your thoughts.
- Follow the 5W framework is you’re absolutely not ready. Structure your speech around the “who, what, where, when, and why” model, and you will always have a universal plan to follow on any topic.
List of Impromptu Speech Topics
- The importance of failures for success.
- The influence of technology on relationships.
- The importance of making the first impression.
- The effects of climate change on our lives.
- Is online learning beneficial?
- How does social media erode self-image?
- Why learning to speak in public is important.
- The perks of a minimalist lifestyle.
- The benefits of mindfulness.
- Importance of physical activity for mental health.
Lamda Impromptu Speech Topics
- Life hacks on overcoming procrastination.
- Tips to finding a balance between social life and studies.
- The secret power of creativity.
- The impact of small acts of kindness in student life.
- What made me a good leader?
- Things I am thankful Lamda for.
- What makes college feel like home?
- The power of humour in times of academic hardship.
- The importance of true friendship.
- The significance of mental health awareness for students.
Funny Impromptu Speech Topics
- The not-so-evident benefits of traveling alone.
- Tips on failing your first-year course.
- The hard path of learning to say “no.”
- Tips to make your pet be in charge of your life.
- The art of setting the group in awkward silence.
- My greatest superpower received: procrastination.
- Is there any method for convincing yourself that exercising is fun?
- The experience everybody had at least one: a horrible date.
- That sweet and awkward small talk: a survival guide.
- The most awful fashion trend we all remember (and we all followed).
Impromptu Speech Topics for High School
- The significance of family traditions.
- The power of positivity in life.
- The value of lifelong learning mindset.
- The power of sports to teach us valuable life lessons.
- My personal secrets for staying motivated.
- My personal path to self-confidence.
- Art will save the world.
- The main principles of good friendship.
- Why practise gratitude?
- The importance of personal boundaries.
Common Impromptu Speech Topics
- The benefits of volunteering.
- How can books change your character?
- Tips for handling rejection gracefully.
- Why should everyone invest time and effort in language learning?
- Proven methods for embracing change effectively.
- Failure can become your best teacher (even if you don’t realise it).
- Personal accountability and how I learned it.
- My long and rocky path to healthy habits.
- The secrets of staying focused in a chaotic world of distractions.
- Is diversity and inclusion buzzwords? Or do they really work in modern society?
Christmas Impromptu Speech Topics
- The unique joy of Christmas decorations and cooking.
- What makes Christmas so miraculously addictive for kids and adults?
- My personal recipe for an ideal Christmas party.
- How do you imagine an idyllic Christmas morning?
- My personal guide to the best and the worst Christmas gift choices.
- The funniest childhood memory of a Christmas festivity.
- The sweetest childhood memory about Christmas traditions.
- How to survive the holiday season without losing track of your study schedule?
- What would you do if you were Santa Claus?
- The sweet and meaningful tradition of giving back during the Christmas season.
Impromptu Speech Topics for Kids
- My favourite pet and the reasons why I love it no matter what.
- My dream job is…
- If I could travel anywhere across the globe, I would first go to…
- My best day ever – what should it be like?
- The superpower I’d like to have for at least one day and what I would do with it.
- Why eco-friendliness and care for the planet are important.
- The best game I enjoyed playing with my friends.
- The coolest thing I have ever done at school.
- My favourite teachers and why I love them.
- Why kindness matters today much more than ever.
With these impromptu speech ideas, you’re sure to grab the audience’s attention and make the evening memorable. If you need more help with speech preparation, don’t hesitate to turn to our experts. We have a large team of professional scribes who can craft an outstanding impromptu speech matching your event.