Toastmasters gives us the confidence and skill to research and deliver a speech in any environment. But what happens when we are called upon to deliver a speech at short notice? No warning, no time for research, little time to rehearse. 

That’s the moment many speakers dread.

I have found myself in that situation a number of times. I used to panic – scribbling frantic notes, trying to memorise every word.. How was I supposed to deliver the speech confidently while my heart was racing, my mind would go blank, and with everyone watching?

That used to be me – until I discovered a simple method that works every time.

Here’s the structure that transformed last-minute panic into confident delivery.

FIRST, DECIDE YOUR CORE MESSAGE

Ask yourself one simple question: What do I want the audience to think, feel, or do when I finish speaking? Your answer should be one clear sentence – not a paragraph, not a vague idea, but a single focused takeaway.

THEN, USE A HOOK TO GRAB AUDIENCE

Once you know your message, grab your audience’s attention. You could start with a rhetorical question, a surprising fact, a short story, or a bold statement. Anything that makes people lean in and listen.

NEXT, STATE YOUR CORE MESSAGE CLEARLY

State what your speech is about in one sentence. For example, “Today, I want to show why small goals make a big difference.”

ADD SUPPORTING POINTS

Add two or three points that support your core message. For each point, state the point, why it matters, and include a short example.

Some of the easiest structures to use are:

• Point – Reason – Example – Point
• Problem – Solution – Benefit
• Past – Present – Future 

Don’t overload your speech with data or excessive detail. People remember ideas, not information dumps. 

Use anecdotes and tell relatable stories. They help your audience see the point, feel the point, and remember the point, and also help the audience connect and empathise with you.

FINALLY, FINISH WITH A STRONG CONCLUSION

A strong ending is what people carry with them after you sit down. So, restate your core message, summarise your key points, or issue a call to action.

Here’s what a 10-minute prepared speech structure looks like:

HOOK
What if I told you that the biggest goals you’ve ever set are the very reason you don’t achieve them?  Last year, I decided I was going to get fit. I bought new shoes, downloaded three apps, watched motivational videos… and two weeks later, I was back on the couch. The goal was too big. Too overwhelming. Too easy to quit.

CORE MESSAGE
Today, I want to show why small goals make a big difference.

SUPPORTING POINT 1 – Small goals remove overwhelm
* Big goals feel heavy: “Lose 20 kilos.” “Write a book.” “Become a great speaker.”
* Small goals feel doable: Walk for ten minutes. Write one paragraph. Practice one speech opening.
* When the goal is small, we start. And starting is the hardest part.

SUPPORTING POINT 2 – Small goals build momentum
* Success creates motivation, not the other way around.
* If you walk for ten minutes today, you’re more likely to walk tomorrow.
* One paragraph becomes a page.
* One speech becomes confidence.
* Small wins stack up, and suddenly you’re moving forward without forcing it.

SUPPORTING POINT 3 – Small goals create consistency
* Big goals rely on motivation. Small goals rely on habit.
* Anyone can do something small, even on a busy day.
* Five minutes of practice every day beats one hour once a month.
* Consistency turns small actions into big results.

CONCLUSION
* Small goals remove overwhelm, build momentum, and create consistency.
* So instead of setting a huge goal, set a small one.
* Because big success doesn’t come from big moments. It comes from small goals… repeated every day.

Creating a speech in ten minutes is not about cutting corners – it’s about focusing on what truly matters: your message and your audience.
So, next time you need to create a speech with only ten minutes to prepare – don’t panic. Focus on your message, trust your structure, and speak from the heart.

~ Tom Wilde is a member of Alpha Toastmasters Club