Extemporaneous Speaking

Extemporaneous speaking involves delivering a prepared, yet unmemorized, speech using a keyword outline and speaking notes, rather than a word-for-word manuscript. Unlike impromptu speaking, where the topic is unknown beforehand, extemporaneous speakers have preparation time to research and organize their thoughts on a given topic before delivering the speech. The goal is to convey compelling, interesting arguments to an audience, with the content focusing on current events for many forensic (speech) competitions.  

Key Characteristics

• Preparation, not memorization: You develop a detailed outline and practice the speech, but it is not memorized word-for-word. 

• Keyword notes: Instead of a full manuscript, speakers use speaking notes with keywords and short, 3-5 word phrases to guide the presentation. 

• Focus on current events: Many extemporaneous competitions focus on timely topics and recent events, with the expectation that speakers are familiar with contemporary issues. 

• Structure: Speeches are typically organized using common patterns like chronological, topical, or problem-solution-benefit. 

• Delivery: The goal is to deliver a natural-sounding speech, avoiding the robotic delivery of a manuscript. 

Preparation and Delivery

1. Understand the Topic: Research current events and contemporary issues relevant to the competition. 

2. Create an Outline: Develop a detailed outline of your ideas and arguments. 

3. Develop Speaking Notes: Condense your outline into a bulleted list of keywords and short phrases on a notecard. 

4. Practice Extensively: Rehearse your speech multiple times using your keyword outline and speaking notes. 

5. Record Yourself: Use a voice recorder or video camera to review your performance, identify mistakes, and track improvement. 

6. Structure the Speech: Organize your speech with an introduction, a body with main points (often three), and a conclusion. 

Competition Procedure

• Thirty minutes before speaking, competitor will randomly draw three specific questions from those offered, select one and return the other two.

• The speaker will prepare for his/her speech and must compose 100% of the speech content without assistance from coaches or other competitors.

Use of Resource Materials

• Questions for all tournaments will be generated from the October, November, December and January issues/updates of major news sources. (See page 24 of the MHSA Handbook for a list of specific example sources.)

• Speakers may consult published books, periodical articles, newspaper articles, think tank articles, government reports, or journal articles saved on their electronic device or present in hard copy as long as there are no notations made within or on the saved material and any highlighting or underlining is done in only one color.

• Electronic retrieval devices (laptop computer, netbook, iPad, other portable electronic retrieval equipment other than cell phones or smart phones) may be used to store and retrieve subject files. 

• Generative Artificial Intelligence: Speeches must be the original created work of the competitor. Use of generative AI is prohibited during prep time. Quoting or paraphrasing text from generative AI is also prohibited. Electronic retrieval devices used for the storage of information may not be used to compose the speech or organize thoughts.

Contrast with Drama

• Drama: Involves acting and portraying a character, usually with a script, focusing on storytelling and character development. 

• Extemporaneous Speaking: Focuses on conveying your own arguments and ideas on a current topic in a prepared, but unscripted, manner. 

Above content generated with the assistance of AI technology.