Speak with Confidence

Chapter 12Spontaneous Speech System

You don't always have the luxury of preparing your speech. Spontaneous speaking, that is, speaking without notes or preparation, is something most of us face on a regular basis. Examples include impromptu speeches, Q & A sessions, meetings, interviews, or simply being put on the spot. Some people seem natural and prefer it to prepared speeches. For them, pressure spurs greater creativity and clarity. For others, it paralyzes them and crushes their confidence. If that's you, then you're going to love this chapter. Over the years, I've developed systems aimed at building your confidence even when the pressure is on. The good news is they build off everything you've learned already.

In the previous chapter, I mentioned, “Wax on, wax off,” from Karate Kid. In an iconic scene, Daniel‐san thinks that Mr. Miyagi has been using him as free labor when in fact he's been training his muscles to perform certain defensive moves. This alludes to karate's uses of “katas,” carefully prescribed patterns of movements and stances that are practiced continually. Students of karate spend more time practicing katas than fighting. It's not that senseis (teachers) think someone will attack you in that exact pattern. It's all about muscle memory—teaching your body how to respond without thinking. Martial arts aren't a mystical endowment of superhuman speed and strength but a deliberate training of things like stance, breathing, and muscle memory. The work done in ...