Extemporaneous Speaking: This event is divided into questions about current national and international
issues, yielding Foreign Extemporaneous and National Extemporaneous. Thirty minutes prior to speaking
before judges, the student draws three topics. After selecting one, s/he prepares the speech and delivers it,
speaking for no longer than seven minutes.
Suggested Judging Criteria for Extemporaneous Speaking:
Did the student present an organized speech?
Did the student clearly and effectively discuss, analyze, and evaluate the selected topic?
Did the student sufficiently answer the question?
Did the student show connections between particular events and large social, economic, and/or
political trends and developments?
Did the student cite relevant evidence?
Was the speaker poised, sincere, and comfortable in delivery?
Did the speaker use effective oral presentation skills (volume, diction, speed of delivery)?
Did the speaker use effective body language (gestures, facial expression, eye contact)?
Did the speech exemplify the highest standards of language usage and vocabulary?
Did the speaker avoid slang, poor grammar, and mispronunciations?