Extemporaneous Speaking

Rules for Extemporaneous Speaking:

• The extemporaneous speech is a spontaneous, original oral expression of ideas on a given subject about which the speaker has had previous knowledge, preparation and planning. The speaker may or may not use a note card during presentation.
• The general subject for extemporaneous speech shall be “Current Affairs.” Topics shall cover both domestic and foreign affairs. Specifically, U.S. domestic and U.S. foreign policy (domestic affairs); and domestic affairs of foreign countries and the foreign affairs of all countries, including the United States (foreign affairs)
• Each participant shall draw three topics, choose one and return the other two.
• As soon as a topic is chosen, the participant shall withdraw and prepare a speech without consultation and without references to prepared notes. Students may consult originals or photocopies of published books, magazines, newspapers, journals, articles or unannotated indices. No electronic communication or Internet access is allowed in the extemporaneous prep room. Contestants may make use of electronic retrieval devices to store and to retrieve their subject files as long as wired or wireless connection devices are disabled and remain disabled while in the prep room. Contestants may retrieve extemporaneous files to read, but cannot write speeches or organize their thoughts on the electronic device

How We Prep:

• Do practice speeches! Take one of the practice questions from below and time yourself for preparing a 7-minute long speech.
• Remember to READ, WATCH, AND LISTEN. Read the news! Watch the news! Listen to the news!
• Read and file articles through Extemp Genie!
• Challenge Yourself! Give yourself 5 minute of prep for a practice speech instead of 30 minutes of prep!
• Create a set of introductions that can be re-used for certain situations!

Expectations for Extempers:

You are expected to collect evidence each week.

You are expected to give at least two practice speeches each week.

Some Extemp Tips for Success:

• ALWAYS keep up with the most recent news
• Follow a standard extemp. speech skeleton
• Files
  • Cut a variety
  • Highlighted (only yellow)
  • Organized (you can keep files organized through Extemp Genie)
• Have a few canned introduction/conclusion themes
• Have multiple main body organizing strategies
  • Cause/Origin/History, Effect/Present Day, Solutions/Concerns
  • Social, political, economic, religious
• Plan your walk
• Give between 2-5 speeches a week—the more speeches the better
• Re-give common speeches to perfect delivery