Definition: Impromptu Speaking is the oral presentation of a speech in which a student is given limited preparation time of two (2) minutes to select a topic and prepare to deliver an original six (6) minute speech indicating their knowledge of abstract ideas concerning an assigned topic.

Purpose: The purpose of Impromptu Speaking is to utilize a speaker’s ability to creatively and logically analyze a prompt, process their thoughts, organize points, and deliver a meaningful speech in a clear, coherent and skillful manner.

Material: Impromptu speaking topics will be generated and provided by the IHSA office. Student material must be original. The content, format, style, and thoughts of the material must be solely the product of the contestant. In a given round, all students within the same section will speak on a topic of their choice from a selection of three topics. Topics shall be chosen from the following categories: Quotations, Phrases and Proverbs. Judges will be given the three topics that the students may select. Cell phones or smart phones are prohibited from being used in limited prep events.

Definition: Extemporaneous Speaking is the oral presentation of a speech on a selected topic of international or domestic issues in which a student is given limited preparation time of thirty (30) minutes to prepare an original seven (7) minute speech indicating their knowledge of current events concerning an assigned topic.

Purpose: The purpose of Extemporaneous Speaking is to encourage a student to gain a broad knowledge of current events (political, economic, cultural issues) and to develop the ability to think critically and analyze the significance of such events and prepare, in a short period of time, a meaningful speech which can be delivered in a skillful manner.

Material: International and domestic extemporaneous speaking topics will be generated and provided by the IHSA office. Student material must be original. The content, format, style, and thoughts of the material must be solely the product of the contestant. Topics shall concern events which have been of state, national or international importance at any time between the beginning of the current school year and the date of the contest. Topics shall be worded in the form of question, which does not elicit blanket yes or no responses. Electronic storage devices can be used by extemporaneous speakers to store and retrieve their files. Cell phones or smart phones are prohibited from being used in limited prep events.

Definition: Radio Speaking is the oral presentation of a newscast in which a student is given limited preparation time of forty-five (45) minutes to select, cut, and prepare to deliver an original five (5) minute broadcast of news stories and a commercial indicating their knowledge of compiling provided stories.

Purpose: The purpose of Radio Speaking is to encourage a student to gain experiences in broadcasting concentrating on clarity, style and delivery.

Material: Radio speaking script content will be generated and provided by the IHSA office. This material will include a prepared commercial advertising a product or service that must be used in the speakers’ script. From this provided material, the contestant will prepare a newscast by deleting any parts or items. No new content or original material may be added except introductions, transitions, and conclusions. The use of creative transitions, commentary and colorful verbs in sports, weather and the commercial are allowed to enhance the performance. Contestants may enter the preparation room with prepared outside content provided it is limited exclusively to transitions, introductions, or conclusions. Different radio script material will be supplied for each round. A copy of the radio script material will be provided to the judge(s). Cell phones or smart phones are prohibited from being used in limited prep events.