Sign in to view more content

Create your free account or sign in to continue your search

Welcome back

By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

New to LinkedIn? Join now

or

New to LinkedIn? Join now

By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

Skip to main content
LinkedIn
  • Top Content
  • People
  • Learning
  • Jobs
  • Games
Join now Sign in
Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Public Speaking

You're faced with an unexpected topic during a speech. How can you still captivate your audience?

When you're thrown a curveball with an unexpected speech topic, the key is to stay calm and connect with your audience. Here's how you can keep their attention:

  • Stay composed: Take a deep breath and maintain your poise. Your confidence will reassure the audience.

  • Engage with questions: Ask your audience questions to involve them and buy yourself time to think.

  • Use relatable anecdotes: Share personal stories or experiences to create a connection and keep them interested.

How do you handle unexpected topics in speeches? Share your strategies.

Public Speaking Public Speaking

Public Speaking

+ Follow
Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Public Speaking

You're faced with an unexpected topic during a speech. How can you still captivate your audience?

When you're thrown a curveball with an unexpected speech topic, the key is to stay calm and connect with your audience. Here's how you can keep their attention:

  • Stay composed: Take a deep breath and maintain your poise. Your confidence will reassure the audience.

  • Engage with questions: Ask your audience questions to involve them and buy yourself time to think.

  • Use relatable anecdotes: Share personal stories or experiences to create a connection and keep them interested.

How do you handle unexpected topics in speeches? Share your strategies.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
15 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Takesh Singh

    Helping CXOs, Senior Leaders & Founders Overcome The Fear of Being Judged & Become Keynote-Ready | Public Speaking & Camera-Facing Coach | Speak with Authenticity, Confidence & Command

    • Report contribution

    When an unexpected topic comes up, staying calm and composed is key. Take a deep breath and work on centering yourself and gather your thoughts. Start by building relatability for the topic by sharing an anecdote or personal story to make it interesting. Speak slowly and clearly, using simple words so everyone can follow. Storytelling that is relatable allows you to build emotional connection with the audience. If unsure about details, focus on big ideas and engage the audience with a Q&A session or audience poll. Using humour where relevant by keeping it on point and related to the topic can also keep people interested. Just make sure the humour is not overdone and is kept inclusive and relatable to the audience.

    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Kajamugan Jeyananthan - The Confidence Architect

    Training Coordinator | The Confidence Architect | Communication & Leadership Coach | HRD Corp Accredited Trainer | I help individuals lead confidently and speak with impact using NLP & Color Brain strategies.

    • Report contribution

    Tell a Short, Relatable Story - Expanded Stories are powerful tools in public speaking. When faced with an unexpected topic, a story creates an instant connection.

    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Dr. Seema Shah

    From Overwhelmed to Empowered | Training Professionals & students to Lead Confident, Purposeful Lives

    • Report contribution

    Don't lose heart—start with confidence and a relatable anecdote. Focus on key principles, ask the audience for insights, and connect the topic to your expertise. Use storytelling and humor to keep engagement high. Stay composed, think on your feet, and adapt dynamically to maintain impact.

    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Serhii Kharchuk

    Anti-fraud @ Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | TensorFlow PyTorch | Business Analytics | AWS | Laws | Marketing | Brand Strategy | Software Development | Google Cloud Partner | Administration | Financial Management | Aerospace

    • Report contribution

    When surprise topics hit during your speech: Embrace the moment with confidence—your reaction sets the tone Bridge to familiar territory by connecting it to your expertise Share a universal experience that makes the topic instantly relatable Frame your response as exploration rather than expertise Use strategic questions that engage the audience while you think The greatest speakers aren't those who never face surprises—they're the ones who transform unexpected moments into opportunities for authentic connection. #PublicSpeaking #SoftSkills #CommunicationTips

    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Niko V. Manoukian

    Strategy → Systems → Scale | Building clarity, structure, and systems that scale.

    • Report contribution

    Stay composed and focus on key themes you’re familiar with. Connect the topic to your expertise or audience interests. Use storytelling or real-world examples to make it relatable. Engage the audience with questions to create an interactive discussion.

    Like
    2
View more answers
Public Speaking Public Speaking

Public Speaking

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?
It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Public Speaking

No more previous content
  • How would you address a confrontational audience member who challenges your expertise?

    19 contributions

  • How do you craft a compelling narrative to address a challenging situation during a team meeting?

    51 contributions

  • You're caught off guard at a conference. How do you regain your composure and deliver a compelling speech?

    45 contributions

  • You're addressing a diverse audience. How do you craft an opening that resonates with all stakeholders?

    21 contributions

  • You're in a heated team discussion with conflicting views. How do you speak off-the-cuff effectively?

    19 contributions

  • You're facing a barrage of hostile questions during your speech. How can you respond with confidence?

  • A previous speaker has eaten into your presentation time. How do you manage the remaining minutes?

    54 contributions

  • You're preparing for a corporate speech to a diverse audience. How can you make your stories resonate?

    29 contributions

  • You're preparing for a high-stakes presentation. How can you make your storytelling unforgettable?

    27 contributions

No more next content
See all

More relevant reading

  • Live Events
    How can you use your personal story to connect with your audience during a live event?
  • Motivational Speaking
    How do you connect with your audience through personal stories?
  • Community Organizing
    How can you effectively frame your message in terms of emotions and aspirations?
  • Public Speaking
    How can you create an opening that will leave your audience wanting more?

Explore Other Skills

  • Communication
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Personal Branding
  • Leadership Development
  • Problem Solving
  • Thought Leadership
  • Leadership
  • Research Skills
  • Life Coaching
  • Executive Coaching

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

  • LinkedIn © 2025
  • About
  • Accessibility
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your California Privacy Choices
  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Brand Policy
  • Guest Controls
  • Community Guidelines
Like
3
15 Contributions