How to wing it.

Let’s get this out the way first.
I do not recommend winging it.

You wouldn’t wing it through a job interview. Or a meeting with your CEO.

But sometimes, you don’t have a choice.

You’ve been pulled into a meeting last minute.
Your boss suddenly says, ‘Can you pick it up from here?’
You’re presenting someone else’s slides, and you’ve had all of six minutes to look at them.
You’re underprepared, out of time, and out of options.

In those moments, you can’t afford to panic. You have to perform.

So here’s how to wing it, properly. If you have no choice.


1. Be clear on the single message of the talk.

When you don’t have time to plan, the biggest mistake can be trying to say too much. Nervousness and uncertainty can lead to rambling, and then you can you lose your audience and credibility.

Instead, try to stick to the one big idea. The one thing you want the audience to remember. Say it early, say it clearly, and say it again in the wrap-up.


2. Don’t apologise.

This one’s tempting.

‘Sorry, I haven’t had much time to prepare…’
‘I only found out about this an hour ago…’
‘Bear with me…’

No. Don’t say any of that.

You might be underprepared, but don’t advertise it. Don’t give the game away.

Try to say what you know with calm confidence, and don’t draw attention to what you don’t.


3. Use eye contact.

In moments like this, connection matters more than content.

So look up, look around and look at the people you’re speaking to.


4. Speak slower than you think you should.

When your heart’s racing, sometimes your mouth follows.

But speed can be the enemy of clarity, especially when you’re ad-libbing. Or, erm, blagging.

So deliberately slow down. Pause often. Use silence. It gives your brain space to catch up.


5. Wrap-up early.

You might be tempted to talk longer to make up for your lack of content.

Don’t. Get in, deliver your point, and get out before you start going off-track.


To sum up

Don’t make ‘winging it’ a regular thing. It’s not brave. It should only ever be a backup plan.

Sometimes however, you just don’t have a choice in the matter. But you can still deliver a message that lands.

Just keep it simple.
And keep it steady.


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