Impromptu: Leading in the Moment

ACCLAIM FOR IMPROMPTU

"I have always relished impromptu speaking and in my role as Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, I have many occasions to speak spontaneously. My work with Judith Humphrey has made my speaking more on point, meaningful, and impactful. Readers of Impromptu will benefit tremendously from this book, which lays out everything necessary to be eloquent off the cuff."
Marc–André Blanchard, Canada′s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations

"Short, spontaneous remarks can have a huge impact and Impromptu will help you organize your thoughts and capture the minds of your audience. Judith Humphrey is an authority on the subject and this is a must–read book for anyone, especially for those in leadership roles!"
Tony Arrell, Chairman and CEO, Burgundy Asset Management Ltd.

"If you are meticulous about preparation, as I am, the idea of speaking off the cuff can send shivers down your spine. This book is made for us: read this insightful work to prepare for those high–consequence moments when your response has to be just right."
Paul Vallée, Chairman and CEO, The Pythian Group, Inc.

"I love the premise and promise of this book. Impromptu will enable you to deliver what matters in the moment."
Joe McCormack, Author of Brief: Make a Bigger Impact by Saying Less

PRAISE FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS

"Ms. Humphrey displays deep expertise and experience in communications leadership."
Rebecca Knight, The Financial Times [review of Taking the Stage]

"Speaking as a Leader has been a valuable go–to resource for our subscribers and I often choose it when asked to suggest a strong leadership communication title."
Sarah T. Dayton, Editor–in–Chief, Soundview

"After reading Speaking as a Leader in two days, I reached out immediately to get Judith in front of my leadership team. This has been the single most impactful read of my career."
Kate Nazar, Vice President, Client Solutions Centre, Sun Life Financial

Prologue: The Soul of This Book xi

Introduction 1

Part I THE NEW WORLD OF IMPROMPTU 9

1 The Rise of Impromptu Speaking 11

2 Power of Spontaneity 23

Part II THE IMPROMPTU MIND–SET 33

3 Be Intent on Leading 35

4 Be a Listener 45

5 Be Authentic 55

6 Be Focused 65

7 Be Respectful 71

Part III THE LEADER S SCRIPT 79

8 Lay the Groundwork 81

9 Read Your Audience 89

10 The Scripting Template 97

11 Commit to a Message 103

12 Make a Compelling Case 111

13 Beginnings and Endings 119

Part IV IMPROMPTU SCRIPTS FOR EVERY OCCASION 125

14 Meetings 127

15 Job Interviews, Networking, and Elevator Conversations 135

16 Just the Big Picture 145

17 Toasts and Tributes 151

18 The Impromptu Speech 159

19 Q&A 165

Part V THE IMPROMPTU STAGE 175

20 Rehearse Your Remarks 177

21 Choose YourWords 187

22 Use Improv Techniques 195

23 Find Your Voice 203

24 Master Body Language 211

Conclusion: Don t Be Scared, Be Prepared 219

Endnotes 225

Acknowledgments 239

Index 243

Judith Humphrey is founder of The Humphrey Group Inc., one of North America′s premier leadership communications firms. Over the past 30 years The Humphrey Group has coached tens of thousands of leaders who wish to influence and inspire when they speak. The firm′s pathbreaking program for women has reached over a half million individuals around the world. Humphrey is a keynote speaker and author of three books (Speaking as a Leader, Taking the Stage, and Impromptu). She is also a regular columnist for Fast Company.

She lives with her family in Toronto. For more on the author and her books, see www.judithhumphrey.com and follow her on twitter @judith—humphrey.