This video gives pointers on spontaneous speaking. But I think many of the tips apply to prepared speaking situations and general communication as well.
How to deal with anxiety before or during speaking:
- Reframe as a conversation, not presentation
- Start with questions.
- Prepare talk with questions
- Use conversational language
- Be present oriented eg, say tongue twister, count backwards in 17s, push-ups
Ground rules for spontaneous speaking
#1 Get ourselves out of the way
Dare to be dull. Don't set expectations about outcome of the speech. Just doing it is already success.
#2 See spontaneous speaking as opportunities. eg, to find out more about the other person's thinking.
Yes, and...
#3 Slow down and listen
#4 Tell your story
Useful structures:
- Problem/opportunity -> solution -> benefit
- What -> so what -> now what (who->why is he important->what we are going to do now)
Speaking in a hostile situation
- Expect it. Don't be caught by surprise.
- Acknowledge emotion. Eg, I hear you have concerns about the price.
- Reframe and explain.
Speaking in an online setting eg, delivering a talk through web conference
- Use collaborative tools to encourage engagement.
Interrogation setting
- Paraphrase to buy time to employ strategies discussed above. (Universal strategy)
When trying to get answers from a guarded speaker
- Ask why questions.
- Ask for advise.
Humour
- Test before using. Self deprecating humour is best bet.
- Have a backup plan.
- If not don't use.
