Speaking: Public Speaking & Presentations C1
Effective Impromptu Speaking
Listen to a "bad" vs. "good" impromptu response.
The Impromptu Challenge: Panic vs. Poise
At a C1 level, you will be asked difficult questions in meetings, interviews, or Q&A sessions. You won't have time to prepare. The difference between panic and poise (calm confidence) is having a plan.
PANIC (No Structure) 😨
Q: "Do you think AI will replace creative jobs?"
"Um, wow, I don't know. Maybe? It's... well, it's complicated. AI is smart. But, uh, people are creative. So... I guess, maybe for some jobs, but not all? It's hard to say."
POISE (PREP Framework) 😎
Q: "Do you think AI will replace creative jobs?"
"That's a complex question. (P) In my view, while AI will transform creative jobs, it won't replace human creativity. (R) This is because AI is a tool for execution, not for genuine human experience or intent. (E) For example, an AI can generate 100 images, but it takes a human director to choose the *one* that truly connects with an audience. (P) So no, I don't see it as a replacement, but as a powerful, disruptive collaborator."
Impromptu Speaking Frameworks 🛠️
You have 10-15 seconds to think. Don't panic. Just choose a framework and organize your thoughts.
The most reliable framework for any opinion question.
- P - Point: "My main point is..."
- R - Reason: "The reason I believe this is..."
- E - Example: "For instance, if you look at..."
- P - Point: "And that's why I feel..."
Perfect for business or policy questions.
- Problem: "The core issue we're facing is..."
- Solution: "A potential solution would be to..."
- Benefit: "The positive outcome of this would be..."
Great for questions about a topic's "journey" or your personal experience.
- Past: "In the past, the situation was..."
- Present: "Currently, we are seeing that..."
- Future: "Moving forward, I believe we will..."
Techniques for C1 Fluency
Bridging Phrases: How to Buy Time Eloquently
You need 5 seconds to think. Don't say "Ummm..."! Use a sophisticated bridging phrase instead. This makes you sound thoughtful, not nervous.
- "That's a fascinating question."
- "I'm glad you asked that. My initial thought is..."
- "That's a complex issue. Let me break it down..."
- "To be honest, that's something I haven't deeply considered, but my gut reaction is..."
Delivery Tip: The Power of the Confident Pause
A1 speakers fill silence with um, uh, or like because they are nervous. C1 speakers use silence as a tool.
A deliberate pause [pause] makes you sound confident and allows your listener to absorb your last point. It gives you a moment to plan your next sentence.
Practice: "My point is this: [pause] we need to invest in our people. [pause] Not just our technology."
Practice Identifying Structures 🎯
Practice Quiz: What Framework is This?
Read the impromptu response below and identify the framework being used. Click "Check Answer" when you're done.
Response: "The biggest issue with tourism in our city is overcrowding. My proposal is to implement a time-slot booking system for the main temples. This would lead to a much better experience for tourists and less damage to the sites."
Which framework is this?
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
- Impromptu / Off-the-cuff Done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed.
- Coherent Logical and consistent; easy to understand.
- Articulate Having or showing the ability to speak fluently and clearly.
- Poise Graceful and elegant bearing in a person; calm confidence.
- Framework A basic structure underlying a concept or system.
- Bridging Phrase A phrase used to move smoothly from one point to another or to gain thinking time.
Your Mission: The 60-Second Challenge ⭐
Your mission is to handle a C1-level prompt without preparation.
- Have a friend (or use a random word generator) give you one of the topics below.
- Give yourself only 15 seconds to choose your framework (PREP, PSB, etc.) and your main point.
- Speak for exactly 60 seconds. Record yourself.
- When you listen back, ask: "Was I coherent? Did I follow my structure? Did I avoid 'um' and 'uh'?"
Example C1 Prompts:
- "Is social media good or bad for society?"
- "What is the most important quality of a good leader?"
- "Should all university education be free?"
- "Describe the impact of tourism on your country."