EXTEMPORE
Extempore is the art of speaking without any preparation on a
given topic. Most often the term is used in the context of speech and stage
acting.
Why do we need it?
Appropriately put, why
do we need Extempore from the MBA point of view? The answer to this may be that
many a time decisions have to be taken on the spot by the man-in charge (read
manager). At the same time proper justification has to be given by the manager
to his juniors to allay the frayed tempers of the people around him (if at all
the tempers rise). Accordingly, the manager has to be equipped with the skill
in order to give an instant 360 turn to this attitude. The collateral impact
that this makes is that it builds an instant rapport with the people around
him. At the same time this quality also brings out the leadership quality and
the risk-taking ability of the individual, both at policy level and execution
level...
The body language and
confidence level that the manager exudes coupled with the ability to express
his thoughts articulately and fluently in English are few other abilities
tested through this skill.
Common problems faced while building this skill
- A sound knowledge base: How much of knowledge
is required for the individual to tactfully handle a contemporary, as well as,
an abstract topic is the biggest question.
- Getting intimated by the knowledgeable people,
giving you an in-your- face expression is one common problem encountered while building
this skill.
- Constructing sentences properly, without
disturbing the logical flow of the stance is worth the consideration. From
where we start to where we finally end, within that stipulated time, is yet
another concern. Most often cross
questioning by the people, coupled with numerous facial expressions from the
panel leads to nervousness with the result that one often digresses from the
topic.
- Most often the extempore round is followed by an
interview round. At times, if one feels that the extempore was not up to the
mark then the apprehension gains over and affects the interview as well,
especially if the panel for the interview happens to be the same.
How to build the skill
- Now, let’s talk about the solutions to the
problems mentioned above. Needless to say, the solution lies in building the
skill against all odds.
- Start building your knowledge brick by brick.
Develop your reading habit. Start subscribing to a magazine, which has a mix of
all topics. The Knowledge thus gained will give you confidence to tackle any
topic that comes your way. The editorial section in the newspapers has to be
given utmost importance. You may work through them by taking a stand on a
particular topic and thinking about points to corroborate your position.
- Start speaking loudly on a topic, either in
front of a mirror or even without one. The idea is that you should be able to
speak, with a fair degree of fluency for about a minute on any topic you get.
Practicing by speaking aloud will ensure that you are able to control your
nervousness. Watch your body language while speaking on a topic. There shouldn’t
be any sign of nervousness. Also, speak in two postures-- sitting as well as
standing. Try to speak non-stop for 5 minutes and keep an alarm clock to keep a
track.
- Watch your body language. Too much of hand
movement can be taken as a sign of nervousness. The objective is to appear calm
and composed, and so you should not use your hands too excessively.
- Do not start off speaking as soon as the topic
is given to you. Think for a few seconds before you start. It has also been
observed that those who start off immediately, run out of ideas and don’t know
what to say. Thus, they end up finishing their speech in hardly 35-40 seconds,
or even less, in some cases.
- Structure your speech properly. Try and give
it an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Define the topic adequately. Try
giving examples to drive home your point of view. If the topic provides scope
for narrating personal experiences, use the opportunity to do so.
- Time yourself well. If the panel has given you
2 minutes to speak, try to speak within that time frame. It may not be a good
idea to be stopped in the middle of one your sentences.
- You should be clear with your career graph.
Moreover, your character traits should be visible in your extempore. This will
create a positive impact in the interview, which may immediately follow the
extempore. There is a high probability that the panel judging you in the
extempore and the interview will nearly be the same with a functional expert
joining in the interview.
Common topics that are asked range from abstract (summers have
come, Black is beautiful etc) to concrete issues such as those related to
Finance (Disinvestment, Black money and corporate) and those of national
importance (Lokpal bill, overdose of fasts, corruption etc) can be asked in the
extempore.
Most importantly maintain your poise while doing anything during
extempore. This will send the right signal to the panel judging you.
- Dipak Mishra: Dipak is an MBA
from the prestigious IISWBM, Kolkotta – India’s Oldest B-School founded in
1953, and the home of learning for many a distinguished business leader. A QA
faculty at MBAGuru, India’s fastest growing CAT Coaching Institute, Dipak is
immensely popular among the students as much for his QA fundae as for his
affable nature. Dipak also is a designated mentor for students seeking help
with institute application forms and guidance.
.jpg)
