Your Supervisor Announced You And A Colleague, Bruce ✓ Solved

Your supervisor announced that you and a colleague, Bruce, will

Your supervisor announced that you and a colleague, Bruce, will have an opportunity to meet with the company’s CEO in two hours and deliver a presentation on your team’s current project. Due to the short notice, Bruce believes your presentation should be an impromptu speech; however, you disagree with him. Under these circumstances, which type of speech do you believe you and Bruce should deliver? Choose one of the options below and share the justification you would use to persuade Bruce. Extemporaneous speech (carefully prepared and rehearsed). Scripted speech (written out word for word and read to audience).

Paper For Above Instructions

In today’s fast-paced work environment, effective communication with key stakeholders such as the CEO can significantly influence a project's trajectory and the organization's overall success. Now that my colleague Bruce and I have just two hours to prepare for our presentation to the CEO, we face a crucial decision regarding the format of our speech. Bruce suggests that we employ an impromptu approach, which typically requires spontaneity and the ability to think on our feet; however, I strongly believe that an extemporaneous speech would be a considerably more effective choice. This paper will argue that an extemporaneous speech promotes clarity, confidence, and professionalism, which are crucial when presenting to an audience at the executive level.

Firstly, an extemporaneous speech allows for thorough preparation, even when time is limited. Unlike an impromptu speech, where one is expected to respond without prior thought or guidance, extemporaneous speech involves crafting a structured outline that can be quickly studied and rehearsed. This format combines the best elements of spontaneity and preparation. By carefully planning our key messages and supporting arguments, Bruce and I can ensure that our presentation remains focused and coherent. Moreover, we can anticipate potential questions from the CEO and prepare responses in advance, thus bolstering our credibility. The ability to know our material deeply is particularly crucial when addressing high-level executives, who typically possess a discerning eye for clarity and substance (Gallo, 2016).

Secondly, delivering an extemporaneous speech can enhance the confidence and performance of the presenters. Speaking without a script, as in an impromptu format, can lead to anxiety, especially when addressing a significant figure like the CEO. This anxiety can manifest itself through stumbling over words or losing focus during the presentation. However, with an extemporaneous approach, Bruce and I will have the chance to rehearse our points, familiarize ourselves with the flow of the presentation, and build a collective understanding of key talking points (Grice & Skinner, 2013). This structured preparation fosters confidence, which will allow us to engage more effectively with the CEO. A confident presentation not only captures attention but also cultivates trust and respect for our viewpoint and expertise.

Another key benefit of an extemporaneous speech is the ability to convey professionalism. Executives like CEOs often appreciate a well-prepared presentation because it reflects a level of seriousness and appreciation for their time. An organized and articulate presentation implies respect for the audience and showcases our dedication not only to the project but also to the organization. Presenting a meticulously crafted solution will resonate positively with decision-makers who are accustomed to polished and professional pitches (Zarefsky, 2008). On the contrary, an impromptu speech may come across as careless and unprofessional, leading to misinterpretations or a lack of comprehension of important project details. Therefore, our choice of an extemporaneous speech is not just about personal comfort; it is about creating a meaningful impression that could lead to advantageous outcomes for our team.

So, how can I effectively persuade Bruce to prefer the extemporaneous format? Firstly, I can provide him with evidence and examples of successful presentations. For instance, many influential figures who have delivered memorable speeches—such as Steve Jobs during his product launches—have utilized extemporaneous methods while being well-prepared prior to the event. I could juxtapose this with examples of failed impromptu speeches that caused embarrassment or confusion, particularly in corporate settings. Additionally, I can highlight the importance of showcasing our project’s strengths and demonstrating our command of the subject matter. Lastly, I can emphasize that the preparation time we have—though short—can still be utilized wisely to develop a compelling narrative, focusing on the problem, solution, and anticipated outcomes.

In conclusion, given the pivotal opportunity to present to our CEO, the decision between an impromptu and an extemporaneous speech should gravitate toward the latter. An extemporaneous speech will better equip Bruce and me to effectively communicate our project, instill confidence, and represent ourselves and our team professionally. Compiling an outline and refining our key points will allow us to perform at our best despite the limited preparation time. It is essential to recognize that strategic choices in speech delivery can greatly impact our professional image and potentially the success of our project within the company. Therefore, I am committed to persuading Bruce that a structured preparation approach, embodied by the extemporaneous speech, is the best route forward.

References

• Gallo, C. (2016). Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds. St. Martin's Press.
• Grice, K., & Skinner, Z. (2013). The Art of Public Speaking: A Guide to Effective Communication. Oxford University Press.
• Zarefsky, J. (2008). Voice and Diction: A Handbook for the Beginning Speaker. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Reynolds, G. (2011). Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery. New Riders.
• Carmine Gallo. (2018). The Storyteller's Secret: From TED Speakers to Business Legends, Why Some Ideas Catch On and Others Don't. St. Martin's Press.
• Yates, J. (2013). The Art of Giving a Presentation. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from [https://hbr.org/2013/06/the-art-of-giving-a-presentation]
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