Table topics - the power of three

Rob Julian

Continuing the words of wisdom on impromptu speaking from our experienced speakers - here's Rob Julian.

Previously we heard from:

• Stuart Marshall
• Gael Price

We hope what they've got to say helps and inspires you!

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Rob says

Before your turn comes to speak, breathe in and out deeply at least three times. It will help relax you and ensure you have plenty of air in your lungs before you start speaking. You don’t want to start your first statement with a squeaky voice.

1. LISTEN CAREFULLY TO THE TOPIC. It will be stated twice. You don’t want to start speaking and then half way through realise you have forgotten what the topic was.
   
   
2. REPEAT THE TOPIC SLOWLY, PORTENTOUSLY, AND MEANINGFULLY, as if it was the most significant and perceptive statement anyone has ever heard. Like:
   
   "ARE – WE- REALLY- RULED –BY – TECHNOLOGY?"
   
   It is surprising how meaningful this sounds and it does give you time to think up your opening statement. Which is
   • Either you agree with it – the safest stance; or
   • It is a load of nonsense – risky but effective if you can pull it off. But then you are not in the contest to come second or third.
      
3. GO FOR ‘THE POWER OF THREE’. As in ‘I will outline three reasons why the statement is true (or a load of garbage)’. Then frantically think of what the three reasons could be. By the time you mention them, the red light will come on and you must IMMEDIATELY summarise.

One further point, if you are going for the PAST-PRESENT - FUTURE technique, make sure you make it clear that this is what you are doing. The judges may not realise it and think you are straying from the topic.

On the joys of judging ...

And speaking of judging, be aware that the Impromptu Contest is somewhat of a lottery, If you don’t win then it is obvious that the judges were a pack of incompetents with an IQ not much larger than their shoe size, and who wouldn’t recognise a good speech if they were hit over the head with one. On the other hand, if you do win, it is surely as a result of superior intelligence, ability, and charisma. Namely, yours.

Go for it.

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About Rob

Rob Julian DTM. Came runner-up in the District Impromptu Speech Contest at the Silver Jubilee in 1987, the same Convention where he won the District Prepared Speech Contest. In those days the Impromptu Contest was 5/6/7 minutes, which Rob says was actually easier than the present 1/1.5/2 minute limits. There was time to work your way into the topic. He won the Division E Impromptu Contest in 2010 before the split, when there were 11 Areas competing. The Impromptu Trophy is unfinished business since it is the only District Contest he has not won.