Let me start by saying that I can't take credit for this idea. The Antilles Four-Step Instant Speech was introduced in the Star Wars novel Starfighters of Adumar, by Aaron Allston. It's a great book, by the way, but he gets credit for creating the instant speech idea.
However, for the deprived masses who have not read this excellent novel, I thought I would do a service and teach this instant speech technique. For those times when you need to give and off-the-cuff, no-warning speech, use this short system to give a good, rousing speech and not make a fool of yourself.
Step 1: Introduce yourself
Even if everyone already knows you, the introduction sets the tome for the rest of the speech. Gauge the intro based on who is in the audience. For instance, a more formal speech to your supervisors or potential clients would have you give not only your name but your position in the company and perhaps some of your credentials.
The introduction also serves to remind people just who you are. A friendly reminder of who you are can grab people's attention and give them reason to listen to you. Plus, you never know who might be in the audience, and maybe there's someone out there who doesn't know your name or credentials. A short intro can be crucial in this situation to enforce your reasons for being the one to give the speech.
Example: “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I'm a freelance web writer who you might know as the Lantean_Defender. I'm currently a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, and it's an honor to speak to you all today.”
Step 2: Give your reasons for speaking
This can be as short as a sentence or as longer, more drawn-out explanation of the need for the speech. You might be presenting a new business plan or the status of a project. Perhaps you're giving a group presentation in school, or you've been asked to give a group of interviewers reasons they should hire you.
The reasons for speaking shouldn't drag on for too long. This is just a quick reminder as to why you're here.
Example: “I'm here today to discuss a new method of public speaking. It's an off-the-cuff method of speaking known as the Antilles Four-Step Instant Speech.”
Step 3: Personalize the speech
This is the heart of the speech. Now, obviously, long presentations will use this to actually make the presentation and give the material, but longer speeches shouldn't use this program. Instead, just give a short blurb about what you're going to do and add a little flair to it. Discuss the success the company has had and your desire to continue it, show enthusiasm for the CEO and his plans, or comment on how you look forward to working with the members of the audience soon.
Example: “This program is great for giving short speeches when you don't have time to prepare. It's very quick to learn, and I look forward to sharing this great new system with all of you in the upcoming seminars. I'm sure you'll all be able to master this system in no time at all!”
Step 4: Wrap it up before you make a fool of yourself
Never, never, never underestimate the advantages of being succinct. When you haven't had a lot of time to prepare what you're going to be saying, you risk revealing you lack of preparation (however inadvertent) and losing the regard of your audience. A short, to the point speech can often pack more punch than a long-winded one, and a clear and short speech can make you appear well-prepared, well-informed, and well-educated.
Example: “Thank you all for your time, and I hope to see you all in the full seminar on the Antilles Four-Step Instant Speech. Thank you.”
This system can help in a pinch to deliver a quick tag speech and show that you do in fact know what you're talking about. Plus, it provides a successful transition from a formal speech to the potential for more informal discussion, allowing you to improvise and not make yourself look bad with a poor speech.
This program can really save you, and if used properly, can become a staple for all who need to give speeches from students to professionals.
