Impromptu speaking is 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 your impromptu 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.