Getting a hand on your impromptu speech

I just saw an excellent, very simple way to keep track of where you are going during an impromptu speech, like Table Topics at a Toastmasters meeting. It was described by Lori Gracey and Megan Moe-Lunger in an article on The Handi-Speech: Teaching Inmpromptu Speaking which they presented at the 2009 annual convention of the National Communications Association.

Here’s how to do it. First, close your left hand to seize the topic.

Now open your fingers, one by one to reveal:

1. The introduction (your thumb)
2. Your first point (index finger),
3. Your second point (middle finger),
4. Your third point (ring finger),
5. The conclusion (your pinkie)

Very handy!