Impromptu - by Judith Humphrey (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Impromptu shows leaders how to think on their feet and respond eloquently in every situation. Never have there been so many opportunities to inspire and influence in everyday situations -- elevator chats, corridor conversations, networking gatherings, meetings, and ceremonial events. Indeed, today the most iconic leadership moments are spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment events that reveal the inner workings of the leader's mind. When these impromptu opportunities arise, leaders must be able to listen, think, and respond within seconds. They don't read a script from a page, they convey the narrative that is already in their mind. They can tailor a message--in a meeting, in the corridor, or in a tweet--to influence and inspire any audience. Those who shine in that moment are remembered for their leadership. Those who stumble are remembered for their gaffes, mixed messages, or insensitivity. Nobody remembers the leaders who retreat to their office, formulate a strategic plan, and distribute a memo the following week.

Guided by her entrepreneurial success as founder of The Humphrey Group and her firm's work with tens of thousands of leaders over the past 30 years, Judith Humphrey makes clear the importance of preparing to be spontaneous -- as counterintuitive as that may sound! Drawing upon the best impromptu moments from the Greeks to the present, the book looks at every aspect of impromptu speaking. You will learn how to:

• Think like an impromptu leader
• Quickly read an audience of one or a thousand
• Collect your thoughts and craft a persuasive message
• 'Script' yourself within seconds for any occasion
• Avoid 'um's' and 'ah's' and use the right words at the right time
• Discover improv techniques that will enable you to shine
• Deliver your message with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

The ability to speak on the spot is often seen as an innate gift, a talent of 'natural-born' leaders. The truth is, it's a skill that can be learned--a skill that is quickly becoming a must-have for anyone in a leadership position. Impromptu provides clear, actionable guidance to help you reach your full leadership potential. It will enable you to influence and inspire followers on the many 'small stages' that define our daily lives.

From the Back Cover

Listen, assess, think, and respond on the fly and be ready to Lead in the Moment

The ability to speak eloquently off the cuff is often thought to be an innate gift. Either you're born with it or you're not. Right? Not according to bestselling leadership author and communications expert, Judith Humphrey. As she shows in this important new book, impromptu speaking is a skill that can be learned.

Anyone who aspires to lead today must be able to communicate effectively and deliver a powerful message on the spot. In today's fast-paced world, audiences expect you to speak authentically and clearly at a moment's notice, without the benefit of a podium or scripted text.

In Impromptu, Humphrey provides clear, actionable guidance to help you influence and inspire as a leader in a broad range of situations--from elevator chats and corridor conversations to meetings, job interviews, and networking events.

The book draws upon memorable impromptu moments in history, from the ancient Greeks to today's most successful leaders in business, politics, and entertainment.Impromptu will show you how to:

• Think like an impromptu leader
• Instantly read any audience, of any size, anywhere
• Rapidly collect your thoughts and craft a persuasive message
• "Script" yourself within seconds for any occasion
• Avoid "um's" and "ah's" and find the right words
• Deliver your message with clarity and confidence
• Speak with presence

Why read Impromptu? Because leaders with strong communication skills stand out for their ability to inspire in off-the-cuff exchanges.

No other book unlocks the secrets of successful spontaneity as Impromptu does.

About the Author

Judith Humphrey is founder of The Humphrey Group Inc., one of North America's premier leadership communications firms. Over the past 30 years The Humphrey Group has coached tens of thousands of leaders who wish to influence and inspire when they speak. The firm's pathbreaking program for women has reached over a half million individuals around the world. Humphrey is a keynote speaker and author of three books (Speaking as a Leader, Taking the Stage, and Impromptu). She is also a regular columnist for Fast Company.

She lives with her family in Toronto. For more on the author and her books, see www.judithhumphrey.com and follow her on twitter @judith_humphrey.