How to Present with an "Exetemporaneous" or Conversational Style

Great speakers typically present in a smooth delivery style that we all admire. They sound like they are having a conversation with listeners rather than talking at them.   

This style is called extemporaneous speaking or extemporaneous delivery. That means (a) the speaker knows the material (b) speaks in a conversational style, (c) from limited notes (d) in a structured way.

Listening audiences prefer this style much more than they do listening to a speaker who memorized a presentation word-for-word or a speaker who is reading from overly detailed notes.

In contrast, extemporaneous speaking looks and sounds comfortable and composed. Listeners might assume a conversational style requires special talents. However, any speaker can achieve this with the right preparation. Here are the first couple of steps.  

First, commit to a clear structure. Conversational speakers use a template to prepare their presentations that usually includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each of these sections has clear component parts. This template gives speakers a mental road map to follow even when they are not looking at their notes.

Second, practice up to 10 times. True, that sounds like a lot but with practice comes comfort. Speakers with that easy conversational look and sound practice many times beforehand to truly internalize the material.

​See the video for more details on these two tips and the rest of the advice.