Jazz Up Your Speaking: How to Master Impromptu Conversations
As someone who spends a lot of time improvising with jazz bands, I've noticed something: The best speakers often do the same thing. Thinking on your feet isn't about being fast—it’s about presence. Just like jazz, it's the ability to stay grounded, respond in real time, and still land your message that sets you apart.
But what happens when you falter? Maybe you freeze, rush your words, or walk away from a meeting thinking, "Why didn’t I say that better?" It’s common—especially in high-stakes environments like presentations to senior leaders or pitching to potential clients. Your voice tightens, and you lose connection with your ideas.
So, how do you handle spontaneous speaking like a pro? The unexpected key: Jazz.
Tip 1: Say "Yes, And"—Handle the Unexpected Like a Pro
Improvisation isn’t about resisting unexpected moments; it’s about accepting them. Jazz musicians have a philosophy called “Yes, And”—it’s about taking what comes and building on it.
What throws you off when speaking?
A challenging question
A technical failure
A blank mind
Most people tense up or go into overdrive, but jazz musicians and great speakers do something different—they say, "Yes, And."
Yes, that’s a good point. And here’s another angle to consider.
Yes, I lost my train of thought. I’ll circle back once I’ve reconnected to the next idea.
This simple mindset keeps the energy moving forward and shows composure under pressure.
Do people really listen when you speak?
Your voice should be your most powerful tool as a professional
Whether you're leading a meeting, delivering a presentation, or influencing a conversation, what you say and how you say it make the difference in making your point, getting what you want—or the opposite.
With this free assessment, you can test the powers of your communication to see how you could be cutting through with more impact and effectiveness.
- ✔ Identify possible communication blind spots
- ✔ Strengthen your confidence and delivery
- ✔ Command attention and influence with ease
Exercise: The Yes, And Drill
With a colleague or on your own, pick random topics and respond with "Yes, And." The goal isn’t to be clever but to keep the conversation flowing. For example:
"Yes, that caught me off guard, and I’d appreciate a moment to think it through."
This approach is more powerful than freezing or apologising.
Tip 2: Stay Grounded—Presence and Flow
Thinking on your feet doesn’t mean thinking faster. It means being more present. In jazz, musicians don’t rely on pre-planned solos; they listen deeply to each other, the rhythm, and the room.
Presence isn’t about being completely relaxed—it’s about being available to yourself and the moment.
Grounding Technique: The 1-2-3 Breath
Place your feet flat on the ground.
Inhale slowly through your nose.
Let your shoulders drop with the exhale.
Speak your first sentence on the out-breath.
Quick Reset Exercise:
Inhale for three seconds, exhale for six.
Say a simple sentence aloud while keeping that grounded breath.
Repeat three times.
This connects your voice to your body and your message to the moment, keeping your delivery natural and confident.
Tip 3: Structure Is Freedom—Use It to Speak with Authority
One of the biggest myths about both jazz and spontaneous speaking is that it’s entirely made up. In reality, jazz musicians practice scales and chords constantly, giving them the freedom to improvise.
Your speaking “scales” are structured frameworks that give you the freedom to speak clearly and confidently.
Two Essential Frameworks:
PREP (Point, Reason, Evidence, Point)
Point: State your belief or opinion.
Reason: Explain why it’s important.
Evidence: Support with an example or data.
Point (Again): Reiterate your main message.
Example:
Point: I believe our team is the right choice.
Reason: We've delivered similar initiatives under pressure.
Evidence: Last quarter, we led X with a 30% improvement.
Point (Again): That’s why we’re ready for this challenge.
CAR (Challenge, Action, Result)
Challenge: Describe the problem.
Action: Explain what you did.
Result: Highlight the outcome.
These structures allow you to think on your feet without sacrificing clarity or confidence.
Final Thoughts: Confidence Through Presence and Structure
Thinking on your feet isn’t about memorizing the perfect script—it’s about staying present, trusting your structure, and letting your voice come through naturally. Like jazz, confident speaking is a blend of preparation and play.
You don’t need to be louder to make an impact; you need to be anchored. When you are, people don’t just hear you—they believe you.
If you’d like to work on developing this kind of presence and confidence in your speaking, reach out for a one-to-one session. Let’s make your voice as impactful as your ideas.
|