Every book—whether autobiographical, fiction, business, or general interest—comes out of the author's inner being. Some go deeper into that place than others do. Even more than my two previous books, Speaking as a Leader and Taking the Stage, this work comes out of a very personal journey.

It all began when I was asked to give an impromptu speech in seventh grade. Our teacher thought it would be a good idea for the 12‐year‐olds in her class to be able to speak extemporaneously, and I was the first to be called upon. I headed to the front of the class with no small amount of trepidation, and things got worse when the topic she gave me was “boys.” I vividly remember panicking because as a shy young preteen girl I certainly had thoughts about boys, but none I wanted to share publicly. Besides, talking about the opposite sex was taboo for me since I was raised in a household where we weren't even allowed to watch Elvis Presley on TV. In front of the class I somehow was able to blurt out my first line: “I don't know why you've asked me to talk about boys since I come from a family of five girls.” But everything after that is a blur—I don't remember a word of it. I only remember the fear I felt in the spotlight.

I believe that episode shaped the trajectory of my career and life. Shortly after that awkward experience, I took up the violin and played on stage as often as I could to overcome my nerves. I went to a top music school, Indiana University, and continued to perform with chamber groups and orchestras. When I went on to graduate school in Rochester, New York, I switched to literature, and then became a university lecturer in Toronto, regularly speaking before groups of several hundred students. Eventually (after several years as a speech writer) I launched The Humphrey Group to help other leaders overcome these fears and be successful communicators.

It was not always easy for me to stand on these stages and play my violin, or in later years to speak with authority and conviction. As an undergraduate I forced myself to speak up at least once in every class. As a university lecturer, I'd often arrive just in the nick of time—prepping up to the last minute. As an entrepreneur, I faced down my fears when I made cold calls to CEOs, spoke to companies about our services, or pitched training at senior levels.

My salvation was that I practiced hard for these roles. And I've found that the same discipline is required for all the impromptu moments in our life. This book and its central argument—that you need to prepare to be spontaneous—comes from all the years I've spent working to be successful on stage and dedicating myself to preparation, whether for a violin performance, a university lecture, a pitch to prospective clients as an entrepreneur, a tribute speech to family and friends, even a marriage proposal. As a result, I've come to feel more relaxed and confident on stage—whatever that stage may be.

Most of the speaking all of us do fits into the category of impromptu communication. It includes all the remarks that have helped us succeed, get our ideas across, negotiate pay raises, and build relationships with friends and colleagues. I know how important these exchanges have been for me. I'm certain this book will support readers in the same way. It will give you the confidence and skills to be a superb impromptu speaker and in so doing move toward your professional and life goals. These key moments are not governed by a “quick fix” or “winging it.” The larger vision of this book is that discipline and preparation are the secret to successful spontaneity—and a successful life.