You may not know how to speak on any topic in English despite having a good command of the English language. However, you can speak on a couple of topics without preparation if you possess the right to speak.
I am giving you a couple of tips so that you know with absolute clarity how to speak on a topic with authority. When you start learning English, you want to speak on different topics to leave a lasting impression. Failing to do so, you feel frustrated and incapable. You might curse your atmosphere or teacher. However, that is not going to benefit you.
Speaking on a Topic without Preparation
Please keep in mind that the command of English does not mean that you will be able to speak on a topic without preparation. Suppose, you want to talk about ‘Air traffic control’ before a group of the audience; Forget about your command of the English language:
can you even speak on the topic in your mother tongue?
Can you speak on the nuances of missile technology as you have been listening about missiles for years?
The reality is that most of us will not be able to speak on the topic in any language unless we have some experience or background in ‘air traffic control’. You might be thinking, ‘How to speak on any topic if the command of English is not enough to present a topic?’
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Why You Should Learn to Speak English Confidently
First, improve spoken English skills to discuss different topics.
When you learn your mother tongue, you happen to learn the easiest thing to start with. Later, you begin speaking and discussing different social and other topics. Then you start talking, debating technical topic also.
Can you imagine learning your mother tongue starting with topics such as missile technology, cooking, nuances of effective communication skills, teaching pedagogy and so on?
Many students think they need some serious or technical topics for speaking English. The truth is that when you start speaking a language fluently and confidently; you can speak on a topic in English provided you know that topic well. Hence, learn to speak English before you want to speak on a topic in English proficiently.
Good Speaking Skills have Limitations
Good English speaking skills do not mean that you will be able to present any topic without any preparation. You might lose confidence if someone tells you to speak on ‘air traffic control’. Before you lose self-confidence, you need to ask yourself:
Can other literate and erudite people speak on the topic?
One of your teachers has excellent English communication skills, and you have seen her discussing a variety of subjects assertively. You request her to present this topic called ‘air traffic control. You could bet she will not be able to present this topic in English or in another language unless she got some experience or research on this topic.
How to Speak on Any Topic in English
If you can speak English well and want to present a topic, you should have some knowledge, experience or research on that topic. You cannot give a presentation in English proficiently without adequate knowledge of a topic even if you are an expert at speaking English.
Suppose, you want to talk about corporal punishment, and you have a little idea about this topic, you can watch talk shows, debate shows, and some experts speaking on the topic to equip yourself with better vocabulary and rich content. Here are the links to a couple of videos on corporate punishment:
- Sadhguru on the punishment of school children
- How do you handle teenagers
- 10 ways to discipline your children
- Corporal punishment
- Your children are not your children
- About the relationship between children and parents
- Bringing up the children
- How do you handle teenagers?
Make sure, you watch these videos 3-4 times and take note of ideas, concepts, and new vocabulary. After watching these videos, you will understand many nuances of corporal punishment, and you will be able to speak on this topic confidently.
Whenever you want to present a topic, make sure that you know that topic well. You can read blogs, watch videos, and listen to experts to understand the topic thoroughly.
Now, you know how to speak on any topic in English.
By following this blog, you will be able to speak on the topic you were not able to present earlier. Apply these ideas to get the best result because bare understanding cannot transform you. Once you follow and understand the above points, you will be able to speak on any topic in English.
You might want to know how to speak about yourself in English in a meeting or interviews.
Remember, you can always speak on the topic you know well.
You can easily speak about your family, personal experience, your company, and many other things because you know those topics well. Imagine, you want to speak on time management, distraction, and focus. However, you have never thought about these topics, and you do not have enough content to present these topics.
You may also read How to Give an Impressive Impromptu Speech this book.
How to Start a Presentation
When you start a presentation, you want to grab the attention of your audience.
You can easily grab the attention of people by asking a relevant question. When you ask a question, people automatically start considering the right answer. Hence, many speakers ask a meaningful question to attract attention. Hence, you can start a presentation by asking a relevant and interesting question.
Many speakers use engrossing stories to start a presentation. You can also use a story or personal experience that resonates with your topic. Once you are able to grab the attention of your audience, you need to contribute your best so that they consider you a trusted advisor.
If your only objective is attracting attention, you are bound to fail.
You may also start a presentation by making a contrary statement. Lake me take you through one example.
Everybody knows we should drink 8 -10 glasses of water every day. If you happen to make a presentation on healthy living, you may say:
Drinking 8-10 glasses of water is the biggest mistake you make every day.
Do you know why?
You already got the attention of your audience. Now, they are ready to listen.
Don’t forget to read 3 Tips on How to Speak Fluent English without Hesitation.
How to Speak on Any Topic without Preparation (Extempore Speech)
If you want to know how to speak on any topic without preparation, or you intend to make an extempore speech, you need to understand the meaning of ‘Right to Speak.’
‘Right to Speak’ means you have knowledge, research, or experience of the topic you want to present or explain. Whenever you get an opportunity to speak on a topic without preparation, always consider if you have the ‘Right to Speak’ to present the topic. Keep in mind you need ‘the right to speak’ even if you want to make an extempore speech.
Yes, an extempore performance also requires a little preparation.
You can speak on a topic without preparation if you possess the right to speak, or you are familiar with the topic. If you know nothing about a topic, you don’t possess the right to speak, and you should say ‘NO’ to the opportunity. If you don’t know the topic that you intend to present, you need to prepare it well to earn the ‘Right to Speak’.
Here are a couple of topics for an extempore speech (Extempore topics) where possess the right to speak:
- Introducing yourself
- Your job profile
- Your father and mother
- A mistake you don’t’ want to repeat
- A decision you are proud of
- A memorable incident in your school or college
- A memorable incident
- The most important learning from your father/school/college/company
- A Mistake you do not want to repeat
You can also read 50 Topics for English Speaking Practice if you are looking for more extempore topics. You can easily speak on the topics stated above since you are familiar with these topics.
On the contrary, you may not be able to present the following topics unless you have read or researched these topics:
- Missile Technology
- Robotic Engineering
- Amazon Rainforest
- Search engine optimization
In nutshell, you need adequate preparation to speak on the topics above. You may also read 50 Best Books to Improve English.
How to Speak on Any Topic – Conclusion
If you want to speak on any topic or present a topic that you are not familiar with, you should always prepare it thoroughly. You should not present a topic if you do not have the ‘right to speak’ because you cannot fabricate a topic on the spot.
you need the ‘right to speak’ to make an extempore or impromptu speech. Being a beginner, you can start speaking English with topics with which you are already familiar. This approach will help you develop English speaking skills faster.
Now, you know with absolute clarity how to speak on a topic easily and confidently.
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