Impromptu speakingis tough. If you've ever watched the contestants in beauty contest try to answer a tough question, you know what I mean. Even in a job interview, when you're trying to impress 4 or 5 interviewers, it's easy to get rattled by the questions. In high-pressure impromptu situations like these, take a few seconds before you respond to gather your thoughts. Don’t be afraid to pause during your response if you need to. If you can pause without a look of panic on your face, you will appear thoughtful and careful, and your audience will respect you for that.

Here are 3 ways to organize yourimpromptu speech:

The first pattern is called the PREP method. This pattern is your best choice when you only have a few seconds to prepare. Here are the steps:

• Position: State your position on the topic.
• Reason: State your reason for taking the position.
• Example: Provide an example that helps explain your reason.
• Position: Summarize and restate your position.

The second pattern for organizing your impromptu speeches is called the Point-Support-Conclusion method. It goes like this:

• Point: Provide your point of view, key idea, or objective.
• Support: Provide stories or examples that help prove your point.
• Conclusion: End by restating your point of view, key idea, or make your call to action.

The final pattern is called Past-Present-Future:

• Point: State your key point.
• Past: Discuss what happened in the past.
• Present: Discuss what is occurring today.
• Future: Tell your audience about what will or could happen in the future.
• Point: Summarize by restating your key point.

Yes, impromptu can be nerve-racking, but if you stay cool and take a few seconds to organize your thoughts, you’ll look like a pro. Remember that your response does not need to be a masterpiece. Your audience realizes that you are speaking off the cuff. A thoughtful, coherent, and brief response is what is expected.